Caitlin Clark Book Author Details Serious Confrontation With DiJonai Carrington
The Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun faced off in the first round of last season's WNBA playoffs.
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The Sun ended up sweeping the Fever 2-0, but it turns out there was a behind-the-scenes confrontation involving current Dallas Wings guard DiJonai Carrington, who was with Connecticut at the time, and Christine Brennan, author of "On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women's Sports."
Several hours before Game 2 of the series, Carrington poked her head through a curtain where Brennan, Indianapolis Star Fever beat writer Chloe Peterson and Fieldhouse Files reporter Scott Agness were standing.
That's when Carrington shouted, "Why are you talking [expletive] about NaLyssa [Smith]?"
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) drives to the basket defended by former Connecticut Sun guard DiJonai Carrington (21).© Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
It's important to note that Carrington and Smith were not even teammates at the time, as Smith was on the Fever. However, they are in a romantic relationship off the court.
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Brennan, who included the confrontation in her book, admitted that Carrington's actions surprised the three writers.
"The question surprised the three of us because no one was saying anything personal or derogatory about Smith," Brennan wrote. "Agness and Peterson had been discussing a bit of Fever strategy they had just noticed on the court but had been asked not to divulge publicly — that Smith was going to be replaced in the starting lineup for Game Two by veteran Temi Fagbenle."
Carrington shouted again, "You're saying she's a bad teammate!"
Carrington didn't stop there, and locked eyes specifically with Brennan adding, "I walked past and I heard you talking [expletive] about NaLyssa! It was you, out of your mouth!"
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While Carrington's involvement ended there, she relayed what had happened to Smith, who then approached the three writers as they stood on the court waiting to interview players.
"Do you have something to say to me?" Smith asked Brennan.
"I'm always happy to talk to you," Brennan answered.
Several minutes later, after they returned to the tunnel, Smith questioned Brennan again, saying, "What did you say?"
Brennan stood her ground again, saying that neither she, Agness or Peterson would say anything "negative" about her.
"You are lying," Smith said as she walked away.
Things escalated, with a WNBA official getting involved, along with WNBA communications director Sam Hager, Sun president Jen Rizzotti and Fever PR director Ryan Stevens.
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The WNBA players' union wanted to ban Brennan for what she allegedly said, and before she knew it, the situation went viral. Brennan was called out by well-respected athletes she had previously had strong relationships with.
Carrington chimed in once more, tagging Brennan on social media and calling her "Goofy."
Fast forward to today, and Brennan's book has been released for several weeks. Carrington and Smith both started this season on the Wings, but Smith was traded from Dallas to the Las Vegas Aces on Monday.
Related: DeWanna Bonner's Involvement in Controversial Caitlin Clark Incident Emerges
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
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