Riley Gaines slammed sports media for their allegedly biased reporting of the DiJonai Carrington-Sophie Cunningham incident. The former NCAA Division I swimmer believes sports media is an ‘arm’ of left-wing media because it failed to criticize Carrington.
Riley Gaines Blasts Media Coverage of DiJonai Carrington’s Flagrant 2 Foul and Social Media Reaction
During the August 8 clash between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky, Carrington struck Cunningham as the latter went up for a fast-break layup. The Fever star was sent to the ground, but she quickly got up to confront Carrington before other players broke up the brawl.
The foul was reviewed by the referees, and Carrington was eventually ejected for a Flagrant 2. Soon after the incident, the 28-year-old Sky guard wrote ‘White privilege,’ sparking controversy.
Gaines, who has transitioned into full-time activism in women’s sport, expressed disappointment at how sports media covered the incident. She retweeted a post claiming sports journalists strictly avoid calling out Black, LGBTQ+ athletes.
“Sports media is the most insufferable arm of left-wing media. Not even a question,” Gaines wrote on X.
Sports media is the most insufferable arm of left-wing media. Not even a question. https://t.co/IT00eexlGP
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) August 11, 2026
Barstool founder Dave Portnoy had also slammed sports media’s coverage of the issue. He claimed that mainstream media spent significant time analyzing whether the hard hit justified an ejection, while avoiding or downplaying Carrington’s online reaction.
“ESPN’s filled with absolute morons. Absolutely have a panel of morons sitting there discussing this play and talking about whether it was the right call… And they don’t even mention the fact that she said white privilege. That is the story,” Portnoy said on Monday during “Wake Up Barstool.”
Notably, Gaines has really rallied behind Indiana Fever guard Cunningham lately. When Cunningham started speaking up more about her own views and biological women in sports, the former NCAA swimmer was right there to cheer her on.
On the court, the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky have been heading in completely different directions this season.
The Fever have been on a roll, holding a solid 20-12 record after edging out the Sky 90-86 in their latest matchup.
Meanwhile, Chicago slipped further to 12–21 on the year after losing 97-88 to the Seattle Storm.
