Caitlin Clark Shuts Down Social Media Narrative That Player Poked Her in the Eye on Purpose During Playoff Game: ‘Watch the Play’

Chloe Peterson/IndyStarSports

Caitlin Clark does not believe Connecticut Sun guard DiJonai Carrington intentionally poked her in the eye during their most recent matchup.

During Sunday’s playoff game between the Sun and the Indiana Fever, Carrington attempted to deflect Clark’s pass when her hand came down and poked her eye. A foul wasn’t called on the play.

Although the action is not uncommon in basketball, some fans online accused Carrington of deliberately trying to hurt the Indiana Fever star. Others even called for her to be suspended for the act.

Barstool’s Dave Portnoy even took it a step further when he claimed Clark could have lost an eye.

During practice Tuesday, Clark was asked if she felt the hit was intentional. The fact that the question was even asked made her laugh.

“It wasn’t intentional by any means,” she said. “You just watch the play. It wasn’t intentional.”

Carrington said it “doesn’t even make sense” to suggest that she’d intentionally injure her opponent.

“I don’t even know why I would intend to hit anybody in the eye,” she said. “That doesn’t even make sense to me; but no, I didn’t. I didn’t know I hit her, actually. I was trying to make a play on the ball and I guess I followed through and I hit her. So, obviously, it’s never intentional. That’s not even the type of player that I am.”

It’s not the first time Carrington and Clark have been involved in a controversial incident. Earlier in the season, Carrington was criticized online when she mocked Clark for flopping for a foul.