The WNBA has launched an urgent investigation into a shocking incident involving Connecticut Sun guard Dijonai Carrington, who reportedly unleashed a profanity-laced tirade against reporters in the team’s locker room following their 89-76 loss to the Indiana Fever.

Multiple sources confirm that Commissioner Cathy Engelbert personally ordered the probe after video footage of the confrontation began circulating among league officials, showing Carrington screaming at journalists who questioned her about a controversial play involving Fever rookie Caitlin Clark.

The explosive outburst, which witnesses describe as “unprecedented in its intensity,” has sent shockwaves through the league and raised serious questions about player-media relations during an already contentious season.

The incident occurred approximately 20 minutes after the final buzzer, when reporters entered the Sun locker room for standard postgame interviews.

According to three journalists present, the situation escalated rapidly when a reporter from ESPN asked Carrington about a third-quarter collision with Clark that left the Fever guard briefly sidelined.

“It was like a switch flipped,” said one witness who requested anonymity. “She started screaming that she was sick of every question being about ‘that white girl’ and that the media was biased.

She got right in the reporter’s face, pointing and yelling so loudly that team staff had to physically intervene.” The confrontation reportedly lasted nearly two minutes, with Carrington using language that violated multiple sections of the WNBA’s media policy.

League sources confirm the WNBA’s security team obtained video of the incident from locker room cameras within an hour of it occurring, prompting an emergency call between Engelbert and Sun ownership.

The footage, which has not been publicly released, allegedly shows Carrington approaching reporters in a threatening manner and making statements that could potentially violate the league’s anti-discrimination policies.

“This goes beyond a player having a bad day,” said one league executive familiar with the investigation. “The nature of her comments and the aggressive behavior crossed several lines that the league takes very seriously.”

The Sun organization has moved quickly to contain the fallout, issuing a terse statement acknowledging an “unfortunate interaction” while noting that emotions run high after losses. Head coach Stephanie White canceled today’s scheduled practice, instead holding a closed-door team meeting that lasted over two hours.

Teammates have been instructed not to comment publicly, though veteran DeWanna Bonner was briefly spotted leaving the facility, telling waiting reporters only that “DJ is going through some things right now, and we’re supporting her as a sister.”

The team has also arranged for Carrington to meet with the WNBA Players Association’s mental health services, suggesting concerns about her emotional state.

This incident represents the latest flashpoint in what has become an increasingly tense relationship between Carrington and the media, particularly regarding coverage of her interactions with Clark.

During a game earlier this season, Carrington was assessed a flagrant foul for contact with Clark’s face during a drive to the basket, a play that went viral and led to Carrington receiving thousands of abusive messages on social media. She has since restricted comments on her Instagram account and declined most interview requests, with teammates often running interference during media availability.

“There’s clearly a lot of built-up frustration there,” said Connecticut basketball reporter Mike Anthony. “The constant questions about Clark, the social media harassment—it seems like it finally boiled over.”

The WNBA’s investigation will focus on several aspects of the incident, including potential violations of the league’s media access rules, conduct unbecoming of a player, and any discriminatory language that may have been used.

Sources familiar with the process say the league has already interviewed eight witnesses, including reporters, team staff, and players who were present. Potential penalties could range from a substantial fine to a suspension, with precedent suggesting the latter is more likely given the reported severity of the outburst.

“The league has been very clear that threatening behavior toward media members is a bright red line,” explained WNBA analyst LaChina Robinson. “This isn’t just about Carrington—it’s about setting standards for the entire league.”

The timing could not be worse for the Sun, who are battling for playoff positioning with just 12 games remaining in the regular season. Carrington has been a key contributor off the bench, averaging 8.4 points and providing elite perimeter defense for a team with championship aspirations.

Any suspension would significantly impact their rotation, particularly with a crucial stretch of games against fellow contenders looming after the Olympic break. “This is the last distraction they needed,” said one Eastern Conference scout. “Connecticut’s whole identity is built on discipline and focus. This undermines everything they’ve been building.”

For the WNBA, the incident presents a complex challenge during what has otherwise been a breakthrough season for viewership and attendance.

The league has enjoyed unprecedented growth, largely driven by Clark’s arrival, but has also faced criticism for how it has handled the increased scrutiny and physical play directed at its most marketable star.

Some observers see Carrington’s outburst as symptomatic of deeper tensions within the league regarding the media’s focus on Clark at the expense of other players.

“There’s resentment building,” said veteran WNBA reporter Howard Megdal. “Some players feel they’re being reduced to supporting characters in the Caitlin Clark story, and that frustration is manifesting in increasingly problematic ways.”

The Players Association has also entered the fray, with Executive Director Terri Jackson issuing a statement pledging to “ensure fair treatment and due process” for Carrington while acknowledging that “interactions with media must remain professional.”

This measured response suggests the union recognizes both the seriousness of the alleged behavior and the contextual factors that may have contributed to it.

Several veteran players have privately expressed concern about the mental health impacts of social media harassment on players who have on-court incidents with Clark, noting that Carrington has received death threats and racist messages following their previous encounters.

As the investigation proceeds, the incident has sparked a broader conversation about media responsibilities in the new WNBA landscape. With viewership up 34% and a flood of new fans following the league primarily because of Clark, journalists are navigating unfamiliar territory.

“There’s a balance to be struck,” said Sports Illustrated’s Howard Beck. “Clark is legitimately the biggest story in the sport right now, but reporters need to be mindful of how their questioning might be perceived by other players who are also deserving of coverage.”

Some media outlets have already begun implementing internal guidelines about how to approach Clark-related questions with opponents, particularly those who have had controversial interactions with the rookie star.

For Dijonai Carrington, the consequences could extend beyond any league discipline. The fourth-year guard is entering free agency after this season, and sources say multiple teams that previously expressed interest are now reconsidering their positions. “Front offices are watching this situation very closely,” said one agent who represents several WNBA players.

“Talent matters, but so does professionalism and media savvy in today’s WNBA.” As the league’s investigation continues, one thing is clear: in a season defined by unprecedented growth and attention, the spotlight can illuminate both the best and most challenging aspects of professional sports.