The WNBA All-Star weekend got a spicy surprise on Sunday when DiJonai Carrington accused her former girlfriend, NaLyssa Smith, of cheating on her. Carrington, who has yet to play this season due to an ankle injury, alleged that the Las Vegas Aces forward had an affair with Deja Kelly and former Aces teammate Aaliyah Nye.
Smith’s response, which neither confirmed nor denied the allegation, drew strong reactions from the WNBA world.
NaLyssa Smith Faces Strong Fan Backlash Over Response to DiJonai Carrington Allegation
Carrington and Smith, college sweethearts, had a seemingly amicable breakup last year. The former said on Instagram Live in November that she was “very much so single,” before the latter confirmed she was also out of the relationship the following month.
On Sunday, the Chicago Sky guard lit the fireworks on IG Threads by accusing Smith of cheating on her with Kelly, Nye, and “+++ many more.”
On her Twitch channel, the 6-foot-4 forward responded to the allegation:
“Whether she cheated on me and I cheated on her, why are we bringing that to the internet a year later? Whether she cheated on me or I cheated on her, that has nothing to do with anybody. That don’t even make sense,” Smith said, “Then, to bring it to the internet a year later is crazy. Just for fun? That’s ridiculous. Especially when you’re in a happy, healthy relationship.”
Smith’s reply caused the WNBA community to buzz with reactions.
“WNBA is pathetic,” an X user wrote.
Wnba is pathetic
— Ivan Ortega (@i5v0a3n) July 27, 2026
“I’m crying. What is wrong with this league?” another X user added.
I’m crying. What is wrong with this league https://t.co/R3564JP1eR
— AO (@AOduhh) July 27, 2026
“I know her (expletive) lying but this (expletive) funny as hell. A’ja beating all they asses before they enter that practice facility Monday morning,” a WNBA observer tweeted.
I know her ass lying but this shit funny as hell 🤣
A’ja beating all they asses before they enter that practice facility Monday morning https://t.co/VGjp5HPuxF— Money kobe (@Moneykobe140973) July 27, 2026
“Is there a reason why the WNBA doesn’t have a policy regarding dating Co-Workers? Most current employers have policies against dating co-workers,” a WNBA supporter wondered.
Is there a reason why the WNBA doesn’t have a policy regarding dating Co-Workers? Most current employers have policies against dating co-workers.
— Mister Mean (@ReDeRevenel) July 27, 2026
“Yeah she cheated,” Tyler Herro Muse posted.
Yeah she cheated 😂
— Tyler Herro Muse ☆ (@danhurleyuconn) July 27, 2026
Kelly was signed to a training camp contract in April, but the Aces waived her before the season started, while Nye played 44 games for the them as a rookie, averaging 3.8 points and 1.5 rebounds per game. The former is now with the Charlotte Crown of the UpShot League, while the latter now suits up for the Atlanta Dream.
Interestingly, in October 2025, Carrington celebrated with Smith and the Aces after the team swept the Phoenix Mercury for the 2025 championship. Roughly a month later, they were no longer in a relationship.
Although Carrington and Smith are no longer a couple, there are still some interesting subplots that surround them. Carrington is reportedly dating Aces star guard Jackie Young, a relationship they have not commented on.
However, they have been acting like a couple, particularly during the All-Star weekend, leading Smith to emphasize that her former girlfriend is in a “happy, healthy relationship” without naming Young.
Smith has kept her new relationship under wraps, but she did say she was with somebody during the All-Star weekend.
The Aces are trying to defend their championship, and they can ill afford the Carrington-Smith brouhaha to affect that team’s chemistry, particularly with Young also on the roster.
