Did DiJonai Carrington get fined by WNBA over another controversial move? Viral claim debunked

Dallas Wings guard DiJonai Carrington was recently involved in a controversial play, which many viewed as borderline dirty. She has reportedly been reprimanded and fined by the WNBA for it.

The play took place in the third quarter of Wings' home game against the LA Sparks on Friday, where the reigning most improved player appeared to have pulled Sparks rookie Sarah Ashlee Barker's ponytail while they were contesting a rebound. It was ruled a common foul after, but it was left up for debate as to whether it was the right call.

As per a post from the NBA Centel, the WNBA has already looked into the incident and meted a fine on DiJonai Carrington.

The post read:

"The WNBA has fined DiJonai Carrington $47.50 for pulling Sarah Ashlee Barker’s ponytail during Monday’s game, per league statement."

It bears noting, however, that NBA Centel is a parody account that's widely known for posting fake news stories and videos for entertainment. It's not affiliated with the WNBA or NBA Central.

The report also raises red flags. One is the supposed $47.50 fine, which is considerably lower compared to the usual amount pegged by the league for such infractions. Another is the Monday date given, when the incident occurred on Friday.

There is no word yet from the WNBA on whether it would elevate Carrington's hard foul on Barker to a flagrant infraction. Meanwhile, the Sparks had the last laugh in their game against the Wings, winning 93-79.

DiJonai Carrington says she is not a "dirty player" as many portray her to be

DiJonai Carrington is aware of the wide perception that she is a 'dirty player.' She, however, opposes such a narrative, highlighting that she just plays hard.

She made it known in a message to WNBA fans, who continue to question her style of play, on X (formerly Twitter) on June 5, saying:

"Yall fAnS swear i’m such a dirty player. I’m SO over this narrative bc if u really know bball, u know I jus play hard asf & never give up on a play. &yup, we challenged the last couple flagrants & got em rescinded bc I’m ALWAYS tryna make a play on the ball nun more, nun less."

Interestingly, after her X post, Carrington was involved again in a rough play in their game against the LA Sparks, where she appeared to have pulled Sparks rookie Sarah Ashlee Barker's ponytail off a rebound. It was ruled a common foul, though.

The hard-nosed style of play of Carrington has made her one of the fiercest competitors in the WNBA. She was a member of the WNBA All-Defensive Team last season while winning the Most Improved Player award.