Article: Paige Bueckers Urges WNBA to Take Action After Dijonai Carrington’s Aggressive Play Sparks Injury Concerns

June 10, 2025 — Dallas, TX — The WNBA is facing growing scrutiny after an explosive matchup between the Dallas Wings and the Connecticut Sun resulted in a series of aggressive plays that have now drawn sharp criticism from Wings guard and rising star Paige Bueckers.

Bueckers, a standout rookie and former NCAA sensation, made headlines following Sunday night’s game when she publicly called on the league to review and take action against Connecticut’s Dijonai Carrington. According to Bueckers and several eyewitnesses, Carrington committed multiple hard fouls throughout the game, one of which left Bueckers shaken and temporarily sidelined.

“There’s a difference between playing physical and playing reckless,” Bueckers said post-game. “What happened tonight crossed that line. I love the competition, but this was about safety and respect. The league needs to address it.”

Paige Bueckers takes brunt of Dijonai ...

The play in question occurred late in the third quarter when Carrington delivered what many are calling the “dirtiest foul of the season” — a high-body collision while Bueckers was driving to the basket. The contact sent Bueckers crashing to the floor, resulting in a brief stoppage as medical staff evaluated her for a possible ankle sprain.

Although Bueckers returned to the game after testing her mobility on the sideline, her frustration was evident both in her body language and her comments to reporters afterward.

The incident comes just days after Carrington received a one-game suspension for a separate altercation involving a verbal dispute with another player. Critics say the latest game underscores a troubling pattern of overly aggressive behavior.

“Dijonai Carrington is a passionate competitor,” said sports analyst Candace Reynolds on WNBA Tonight, “but the league has to step in when passion begins to endanger other players. Paige Bueckers is one of the league’s biggest investments — this isn’t just about fairness, it’s about future stars staying healthy.”

Social media quickly lit up with video clips of the play, sparking widespread debate among fans, former players, and commentators. Some defended Carrington’s style as “hard-nosed and old school,” while others accused her of recklessness and even intentional targeting.

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Carrington has not spoken publicly about the incident as of press time. The Connecticut Sun organization released a brief statement saying, “We support all our players and believe in intense but fair play. We await the league’s review of the matter.”

Meanwhile, WNBA spokesperson Jenna Simmons confirmed that the league is “actively reviewing the incident in accordance with standard player conduct protocol.” A decision on possible fines or suspensions is expected within 48 hours.

For Bueckers, the issue is bigger than any single game. “I want this league to be as strong and respected as it deserves to be,” she said. “That means protecting players — all players — and upholding the standards we say we believe in.”

While some critics have interpreted Bueckers’ postgame remarks as a personal attack or a call for Carrington to be removed from the league entirely, her representatives later clarified that she is advocating for “accountability through proper disciplinary channels,” not calling for a permanent ban.

Still, the incident has added tension to an already competitive WNBA season, where younger stars like Bueckers and Caitlin Clark are reshaping the league’s visibility and legacy. Ensuring their safety on the court will likely remain a top priority — not just for the league, but for fans and sponsors alike.

As the WNBA investigates and the story continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the line between aggressive play and endangerment has never been under greater scrutiny.