Connecticut Sun forward Di'Jonai Carrington, who poked Caitlin Clark in the eye and knocked her to the floor on Sunday, denies that the eye poke was intentional.
The incident occurred early in the first of a three-game series between the Fever and Suns when Carrington moved to field a pass and the ball struck Clark in the eye on his follow-through.
Clark said the shove did not affect his play, but the incident left a scar.
“[Carrington] “We made a lot of eye contact, but I don't think it affected me. I felt like I had some good shots. I just didn't make them. It was a tough time for that to happen. I thought I shot the ball really well. I made three really open 3-pointers in the first half. Usually they go in.”
on tuesday, USA Today Christine Brennan asked Carrington if he had intended to hit Clark.
“I don't even know why I tried to hit somebody in the eye. It just doesn't make any sense to me. But I didn't. I didn't actually know I did it. I was just trying to hit the ball and I just carried on and it hit her. So it was obviously not intentional. I'm not that type of player.”
I find it hard to believe that Carrington's claim that the eye poke was unintentional – she purposely pointed her finger down and poked Clark's eye socket – if in court this would be the most incriminating video ever presented as evidence in court.
It's also hard to believe that Carrington is being taken seriously about this, given that he was seen laughing out loud while discussing his actions with his teammates, who were apparently staring at Clark.
Game 2 between the Fever and Sun doesn't have to be against an NFL rival. The teams are scheduled to meet on Friday and it will be a must-win game for Clark and the Fever.
