REPORT: Brittney Griner will NOT be allowed to compete in the women’s division until he undergoes testing as WNBA announces mandatory sex testing for all players.
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The Phoenix Mercury left Dallas with a convincing win Wednesday night, but the scoreboard was quickly overshadowed by a postgame confrontation that has the entire WNBA community buzzing. DiJonai Carrington, Mercury guard known for her fierce competitiveness and outspoken personality, once again finds herself at the center of controversy after a heated exchange with Dallas Wings star Satou Sabally.
The incident, which unfolded in full view of cameras and a packed College Park Center, has sparked intense debate about sportsmanship, league discipline, and the passionate edge that has come to define this new era of women’s basketball.
The Mercury’s 95-76 victory over the Wings was decisive, but as the final buzzer sounded, it was clear that emotions were running high on both sides. Sabally, who spent the first years of her career with Dallas before a high-profile trade to Phoenix, was making her return to her former home court. The anticipation was palpable, and fans expected a fierce but respectful matchup.
What they got instead was a postgame scene that quickly went viral. As players lined up for customary handshakes, Carrington and Sabally exchanged words. Carrington, visibly frustrated, raised her hands toward the camera, signaling she wanted no part of the moment. Teammates and coaches, including head coach Curt Miller, rushed in to separate the two before things could escalate further.
Video clips of the exchange flooded social media within minutes, with fans and analysts dissecting every gesture and word.
By Thursday morning, “Carrington” and “Sabally” were trending topics nationwide. Some fans condemned Carrington’s behavior as unsportsmanlike, calling for league officials to take swift disciplinary action.
“This is not the image the WNBA should be projecting,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). “Carrington is a talented player, but this is the third incident this season. Enough is enough.”
Others defended Carrington, arguing that her passion is being unfairly criticized and that male athletes are often celebrated for similar displays of emotion.
“Let’s not forget, this is professional sports,” another user posted. “Tempers flare, and it’s part of the game. Don’t single out DiJonai just because she shows heart.”
This isn’t the first time Carrington has made headlines for her on-court conduct. Just last week, she was involved in a minor scuffle during a game against the Chicago Sky. Earlier this month, she received a warning from league officials for her role in a heated postgame exchange with New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu.
To her supporters, Carrington is a breath of fresh air in a league that has sometimes struggled for mainstream attention. To her critics, she’s a repeat offender whose antics are distracting from the game itself.
“She’s a competitor, no doubt,” said ESPN analyst Monica Wright. “But the league needs to set boundaries. The WNBA is growing fast, and with that comes a responsibility to model good sportsmanship.”
As of press time, the WNBA had not issued an official statement regarding the Carrington-Sabally incident. Sources close to the league office say that the situation is under review and that disciplinary action, if any, will be announced in the coming days.
The lack of immediate response has frustrated some fans, who believe the league is dragging its feet.
“The WNBA can’t afford to look the other way,” said longtime fan and blogger Rachel Simmons. “This is a defining moment for the league’s image. Whatever they decide will set a precedent.”
After the game, Carrington was seen leaving the arena with teammate NaLyssa Smith, who appeared to offer support as the pair navigated a crowd of reporters and fans. Smith later posted a cryptic message on Instagram: “Stand by your people. Always.”
Sabally, meanwhile, declined to comment, but her body language during the exchange—arms crossed, jaw set—spoke volumes. Dallas Wings head coach Latricia Trammell addressed the media briefly, saying, “We’re focused on playing the right way and representing our city with pride. Emotions run high, but we move forward.”
The WNBA is in the midst of a renaissance. With record-breaking attendance, rising TV ratings, and a new generation of stars, the league is under more scrutiny than ever before. Incidents like Wednesday night’s clash are both a symptom of that growth and a reminder of the challenges ahead.
“There’s no doubt the league is at a crossroads,” said USA Today columnist Jonah Williams. “Fans want intensity. They want rivalries. But they also want respect and professionalism. Striking that balance is the next big test for the WNBA.”
As the Mercury continue their road trip and the Wings look to regroup, all eyes are on the league office. Will Carrington face suspension or a fine? Will the WNBA use this moment to clarify its stance on player conduct?
One thing is certain: the conversation isn’t going away anytime soon. In a league built on trailblazers and game-changers, DiJonai Carrington’s latest headline is a sign that women’s basketball is more compelling—and more complex—than ever before.
