DiJonai Carrington Defends Her Game After Flagrant Foul Sparks 'Dirty Player' Debate

Though it was the only flagrant-1 issued to Carrington during the game, another moment earlier in the game raised eyebrows. As Storm guard Gabby Williams went up for a shot, Carrington again elevated to contest. On the way down, she landed in Williams’ space, causing Williams to come down awkwardly on Carrington’s foot and appear to roll her ankle.

Fans online began questioning the legitimacy of Carrington’s defensive plays, prompting her to address the criticism on social media:

”Yall fAnS swear i’m such a dirty player. I’m SO over this narrative bc if u really know bball, u know I jus play hard asf & never give up on a play. &yup, we challenged the last couple flagrants & got em rescinded bc I’m ALWAYS tryna make a play on the ball nun more, nun less.…”

Carrington’s response highlights the fine line defenders must walk in a league that understands the physicality but finds the balance and limitations of contact. She is a relentless competitor with a lot of hustle, but she also leads the league in flagrant fouls, tallying three in eight games played this season (which could change if she did indeed successfully get them rescinded as claimed).

Whether fans view her style as reckless or not, one thing is certain: Carrington isn’t shying away from defending the way she plays, or the critics who don’t like it.