### Controversy Erupts After Caitlin Clark's Black Eye in WNBA Playoffs

Connecticut Sun guard DiJonai Carrington has categorically denied any intentional wrongdoing in the incident that left Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark with a black eye during the first game of their playoff series. Carrington spoke to reporters after the Sun's decisive 93-69 victory over the Fever, clarifying that the collision was purely accidental.

"I don't even know why I would intend to hit anybody in the eye," Carrington stated. "I was trying to make a play on the ball, and I guess I followed through, and I hit her. Obviously, it's never intentional. That's not even like the type of player that I am."

Carrington was seen laughing later in the game, which many online interpreted as her mocking Clark’s injury. However, she quickly dispelled these notions, saying, "I can't laugh about something I didn't know happened."

Clark also confirmed that the incident was unintentional, explaining how it unfolded as she picked up her dribble at the top of the key and attempted to pass to teammate Aliyah Boston. In her effort to deflect the pass, Carrington’s finger accidentally made contact with Clark's face. Surprisingly, no foul was called on the play.

Despite the visible bruise on her right eye, Clark brushed off the incident, saying, "[It] feels good. It looks OK, too, so I'm glad."

Nevertheless, the incident has sparked a flurry of accusations and conspiracy theories online. Sports podcaster Jason Whitlock tweeted, "Dijonai Carrington stabbed Caitlin Clark in the eye with a fingernail. It could've damaged the career of the WNBA's meal ticket and the biggest American women's sports star of all time. ESPN and the WNBA have yet to address this story. Carrington should be suspended."

One of Whitlock's followers went further, claiming Carrington’s actions were malicious and intentional, suggesting she be suspended for the rest of the playoffs. Another commenter even posited that such incidents point to a league-wide plot to make the game more dangerous.

Undermining some of these arguments is the fact that Carrington has shorter nails, which makes the theory of intentional harm less plausible. However, Carrington and Clark do share a contentious history on the court. In June, Clark took a hard foul from Carrington, who then mocked her reaction to the contact on social media, sparking further tension between the two.

Additionally, Carrington has previously criticized Clark's supporters, calling Fever fans "the nastiest in the W." The ongoing rivalry has undoubtedly added fuel to the fire in this latest incident, and Carrington’s track record has not helped defuse the situation.

As the series continues, all eyes will be on both players to see if the tension impacts their performances and if the league will address the growing concerns from fans and commentators.