Fans call out no foul on DiJonai Carrington for leaving Caitlin Clark black-eyed after slow-mo video goes viral – Source: Getty

Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark was left with a black eye after being hit by DiJonai Carrington during Game 1 of the first-round playoff game against the Connecticut Sun on Sunday. The incident occurred 90 seconds into the game, causing Clark to fall to the ground in pain. She was briefly looked over by the team’s medical staff before she was allowed to rejoin the action.

The injury seemed so severe that by halftime, a black mark had appeared on the AP Rookie of the Year’s right eye. Many speculated that this was the reason Clark struggled during the first half, going 0 for 6 from 3-point range and 1 for 9 from the field for just three points. The Fever eventually lost the matchup 93-69.

A slow-motion replay of the incident seemed to indicate that Carrington’s action might have been intentional during the play.

After watching that clip, WNBA fans on X were left stunned and quickly passed their verdict and questioned why Carrington was not given a flagrant foul for the incident.

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“The WNBA needs to investigate immediately,” one fan said.

“Totally intentional, same as the total silence we will get from the Commissioner,” another wrote.

One fan took the corruption route, saying:

“Suns executive is the WNBA operation person so off course they going to protect the suns. WNBA league is corrupted,” suggesting at the viral Sun clock operators’ fiasco during the game.

The criticism for Carrington continued to come throughout the comments section of the post. A fan further added:

“It was intentional. She should have been kicked out. Flagrant 2.”

“This is assault, plain and simple,” said another.

One user bemoaned at Caitlin Clark’s Indiana teammates:

“WHERE ARE HER TEAMMATES!!!! Ya’ll are spineless cowards if you are too afraid to defend your own.”

At the end of the game, Clark had 11 points, eight assists, four rebounds, three steals and two turnovers.

Caitlin Clark makes feelings clear about DiJonai Carrington’s play

Speaking to the media after the game, Caitlin Clark made her feelings clear about the viral play. She said that the injury did not excuse her poor performance in her WNBA playoff debut.

“Obviously, got me pretty good in the eye,” Clark said. “I don’t think it affected me honestly. I felt like I got good shots, they just didn’t go down. Obviously, a tough time for that to happen.”

Clark said she missed several open 3s she usually makes and tried to stay positive despite her poor shooting. She also criticized the game’s stop-and-start style but insisted she wasn’t making excuses.

“It didn’t bother me,” Clark said. “Obviously, it didn’t feel too good when it happened, but it is what it is.”

Caitlin Clark and the Fever now have to put this loss away and focus on Wednesday’s must-win Game 2 at Mohegan Sun Arena. Clark has been one of the league’s steadiest rookies all season, breaking multiple records and being a strong contender for Rookie of the Year.