"Happens way too much": Michigan's Alex Orji comments on Sun standout Dijonai Carrington receiving racist anonymous email

Alex Orji has joined the many athletes who have reacted to the racist email received by Connecticut Sun star Dijonai Carrington. The guard, who won the 2024 WNBA Most Improved Player, has been subjected to racist slurs since she was involved in an on-the-court incident with Caitlin Clark.

During the first quarter of the Connecticut Sun’s 93-69 victory over the Indiana Fever on Sunday, DiJonai Carrington inadvertently hit Caitlin Clark in the eye. As Carrington attempted to block Clark's pass, her swipe missed its mark and accidentally poked the Fever star in the eye.

This immediately led to in-person and online abuse of Carrington by Clark's fans. On her Instagram story, Carrington shared a racially abusive email she received, which lead to a lot of reactions. Alex Orji also reacted to the post by sharing it on his own Instagram story with the caption:

“Happens way too much in all sports.”

Orji's Instagram Story

The WNBA released a statement on Dijonai Carrington’s racist abuse

In a statement released Wednesday night, the WNBA condemned the hateful messages directed at players online after Connecticut Sun guard Dijonai Carrington shared a threatening email she had received.

The email, which Carrington posted on her Instagram story, included a racist slur and contained disturbing threats of death and sexual assault. The league strongly denounced the harmful behavior, and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting its players.

“While we welcome a growing fan base, the WNBA will not tolerate racist, derogatory, or threatening comments made about players, teams and anyone affiliated with the league,” the statement read.

“League security is actively monitoring threat-related activity and will work directly with teams and arenas to take appropriate measures, to include involving law enforcement, as necessary.”

Sherrone Moore outlines the plan for Alex Orji

After leading Michigan to a win against USC in Week 4, Alex Orji will keep the starting role in Week 5. The quarterback had his first start of the season against the Trojans and Sherrone Moore looks to continue with him, rather than Davis Warren.

"Alex will be the starter again and there's definitely more to the game and more things that we have complemented for him and for the offense," Moore said of Orji ahead of Week 5.

"But I thought he did a good job, took care of the football for us, which was the number one thing we wanted. And was a great team player, did all the things we asked him. Ran extremely hard when he asked him to, so proud of him and proud of his performance."

There are concerns about Alex Orji’s passing ability despite leading the Wolverines to a crucial win in Week 4. Nonetheless, Moore believes Orji has a good enough passing ability but the coach wants to keep the balance. Michigan is scheduled to face Minnesota on Saturday in Ann Arbor.