WNBA player DiJonai Carrington accuses referees of “microaggression” after security was called during a game, drawing reactions from Cheryl Swoopes and others.

A recent WNBA game has become the center of controversy after Connecticut Sun guard DiJonai Carrington accused referees of “microaggression” when security was called to the court during a heated moment. The incident has ignited a wave of reactions across the basketball world, including from WNBA legend Cheryl Swoopes.

The situation unfolded late in the game when Carrington voiced her frustration over a series of calls she believed were unfair. As emotions ran high, referees called for security to approach the court—an action Carrington later described as unnecessary and rooted in subtle bias.

Taking to social media, Carrington wrote, “Calling security on a Black woman athlete for expressing herself is a microaggression. We deserve to be heard and respected, not policed.” Her statement quickly gained traction, sparking debate about player treatment and the role of implicit bias in professional sports.

Cheryl Swoopes, a Hall of Famer and outspoken advocate for players’ rights, weighed in on the controversy. “We’ve come too far to still be dealing with this,” Swoopes posted. “Players should be able to express themselves without fear of being singled out or silenced.”

Other players and fans echoed Carrington’s concerns, calling for the league to address how referees handle tense situations and to provide better training in cultural sensitivity. Meanwhile, some defended the referees, arguing that security measures are standard protocol when tempers flare on the court.

The WNBA has yet to issue an official statement, but the incident has sparked important conversations about respect, equity, and the treatment of women athletes—both on and off the court. As the story unfolds, many are watching to see how the league responds and what changes, if any, will be made to ensure all players feel safe and respected.