During a WNBA game on Saturday, August 8th, 2026, Chicago Sky guard DiJonai Carrington delivered a hard foul against Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham, resulting in a bloody mouth for Cunningham. The foul, which occurred with two minutes remaining in the first quarter of the Fever's 90-86 victory, was upgraded to a Flagrant 2, leading to Carrington's ejection from the game.

Sports Illustrated initially published a story titled "Sophie Cunningham Got a Bitter Taste of Karma After Drawing Flagrant Foul in Fever-Sky," suggesting the foul was a form of karma. This headline sparked immediate and intense backlash on social media, particularly because Cunningham has been in the spotlight for her views opposing transgender athletes' participation in women's sports.

The story claimed that the "karma" Cunningham experienced was linked to a hard foul she committed during the 2025 WNBA season when she wrapped her arms around Jacy Sheldon during a layup attempt. Cunningham responded to the headline and Carrington's social media post by stating, "Last year I did the same thing, and I got kicked out, as I deserved to be kicked out. There’s no reason to even play that card."

Following the backlash, Sports Illustrated changed the headline. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding Cunningham's outspoken stance and the reactions it provokes within the sports community.

Sources