As of February 20, 2025, there have been no official reports or credible sources confirming that DiJonai Carrington has been suspended for three games and fined $500,000 for punching Caitlin Clark. The most recent incident involving these players occurred during a WNBA playoff game in October 2024, where Carrington inadvertently poked Clark in the eye, resulting in a black eye for Clark. This incident sparked significant media attention and discussions about racial bias in sports reporting.
In the aftermath of the October 2024 incident, USA Today columnist Christine Brennan questioned Carrington about the eye poke, implying intentional harm. This line of questioning was criticized by the WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) and athletes like Megan Rapinoe, who labeled the questions as “racist” and “disingenuous.” Rapinoe emphasized that Carrington, known for her defensive prowess, should not be portrayed as targeting Clark. Clark herself absolved Carrington of any wrongdoing and condemned the racist discourse from some fans.
The incident also prompted discussions about the media’s role in perpetuating harmful narratives. Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe, on their “A Touch More” podcast, addressed the complexities of racism, sexism, and homophobia in the WNBA, criticizing the media’s portrayal of the incident and the failure to protect players from online vitriol.
Given the lack of recent incidents or official announcements regarding a suspension or fine for Carrington, the claim appears to be unfounded. It’s essential to rely on credible sources and official statements when evaluating such reports.