The buzz around DiJonai Carrington and Marina Mabrey’s social media moment shows how sports discourse today goes far beyond the court
It also highlights the importance of sisterhood in women’s basketball—a space where loyalty, unity, and mutual protection matter just as much as stat lines.
In standing by Carrington, Mabrey didn’t just defend a friend—she reminded everyone watching that players are people first. And sometimes, a little love from a teammate goes further than a thousand critics.
The fans may not all agree, but one thing is certain: the bond between Mabrey and Carrington isn’t going anywhere.
The WNBA has always been home to intense competitors who bring everything they have to the court. DiJonai Carrington’s situation is a reflection of the passion that fuels the game — and the fine balance every player must strike between tenacity and control.
Whether Carrington’s style evolves or remains unchanged, one thing is certain: she won’t stop playing hard. And in a league where every possession matters, that mindset — even if controversial — has its place.
Also Read: Marina Mabrey’s Heartfelt Take on Viral Workout with Satou Sabally
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Marina Mabrey: DiJonai Carrington’s Flagrant Foul Sparks Online Debate
On a fiery Wednesday night matchup between the Dallas Wings and the Seattle Storm, tensions on the court erupted when DiJonai Carrington committed a Flagrant-1 foul against Skylar Diggins-Smith.1
The incident, occurring with 3:40 left in the fourth quarter, was Carrington’s third flagrant foul of the 2024 WNBA season, the most by any player so far — and it ignited a storm of controversy online.
The controversial foul took place during a fast-paced sequence. A jump ball had just given possession to the Seattle Storm.
Gabby Williams quickly secured the ball and fired a lead pass to Skylar Diggins-Smith, who was sprinting toward the basket. As Diggins looked to capitalize on the fast break, DiJonai Carrington chased her down at full speed.
Carrington’s hustle resulted in contact — her arm hitting Diggins in the head as she attempted to stop the play. The blow sent the Seattle bench into an uproar and triggered immediate reactions from the crowd. After a short review, officials ruled the contact as a Flagrant-1, meaning it was deemed excessive but not intentional.
Don’t listen to then Nai 🫶🏻🥺 https://t.co/R85lxABvJd
— Marina Mabrey (@mmabrey1) June 4, 2025
Consequences of the Foul
As a result of the call, Diggins-Smith was awarded two free throws, both of which she sank confidently. The Storm also retained possession and converted it into a bucket courtesy of Ezi Magbegor, widening their lead to 74-63.
The four-point swing significantly shifted the game’s momentum in favor of Seattle, putting the Wings on the back foot late in the contest.
Carrington’s physical style has drawn criticism and praise in equal measure, but this particular foul prompted a wave of online backlash. Some fans on social media labeled her as “dirty”, suggesting that the accumulation of flagrant fouls was no longer coincidental.
Carrington didn’t stay silent. She fired back on Twitter, stating:
“I just play hard asf. I never give up on a play. All I do is make a play on the ball. That’s it.”
Her response emphasized that she doesn’t play with malicious intent — only with maximum effort. Still, for many observers, intent didn’t matter as much as the results of her repeated physical fouls.
Marina Mabrey Speaks Out
Support from a Familiar Face
One of Carrington’s former teammates, Marina Mabrey, came to her defense online.2
Mabrey, who played alongside Carrington during their time with the Connecticut Sun, posted a heartfelt message of support:
“Don’t listen to them Nai 🫶🏻🥺”
This brief but meaningful post demonstrated how Carrington is still respected and supported by her peers in the league. Mabrey’s message helped balance the narrative, reminding fans that teammates understand the difference between aggression and intent better than anyone else.
A History of Physical Play: Carrington’s Growing Reputation
According to Across The Timeline, Carrington’s latest flagrant was her third of the 2024 season:
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May 21 vs. Minnesota Lynx – First flagrant foul
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May 31 vs. Chicago Sky – Second flagrant foul
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June 5 vs. Seattle Storm – Third flagrant foul
Her repeated appearances on the flagrant foul list have made her one of the most discussed defensive players in the league.
The only other player close to her total is Sonia Citron of the Washington Mystics, who has committed two flagrant fouls this year.
While Carrington’s supporters say she’s just playing hard, her critics argue that her style is too reckless and potentially dangerous to others on the court.
Is Carrington a Target?
The scrutiny surrounding Carrington may stem from more than just her style of play. Some suggest that she’s become an easy target for critics because of her fierce on-court energy, expressive personality, and visible competitiveness.
The WNBA has always embraced physical play, especially among guards who must defend versatile, high-scoring opponents.
Carrington, standing at 5-foot-11, often matches up with both guards and forwards, requiring her to bring extra intensity. Unfortunately, that intensity sometimes results in borderline fouls.
Her defenders argue that male players with similar playing styles are often celebrated as “gritty” or “tough,” while women get labeled “dirty.” It’s a double standard that continues to be debated in professional sports circles.
Marina Mabrey: Skylar Diggins-Smith’s Reaction
While Diggins-Smith didn’t issue a public statement immediately following the game, her reaction on the court was measured.3
She didn’t appear to escalate the situation and calmly made her free throws before helping orchestrate the ensuing offensive play that led to Magbegor’s basket.
Diggins, a respected veteran with multiple All-Star selections, has often been the recipient of intense defensive attention. She understands the nature of physical basketball — though that doesn’t mean she’ll excuse unsafe contact.
The WNBA’s Stance on Player Safety
The WNBA has taken several steps in recent seasons to protect players from dangerous contact. Flagrant fouls are carefully reviewed, and repeat offenders can face fines or suspensions, depending on the severity and frequency.
Carrington walking away with only a Flagrant-1 — which allowed her to remain in the game — led some to question the consistency of enforcement.
Should three flagrant fouls in two weeks prompt additional disciplinary review? That question is likely to be addressed by league officials in the coming days.
Carrington’s Mindset: All Effort, No Regret
Despite the backlash, Carrington isn’t backing down from how she approaches the game. Her social media post makes it clear that she prioritizes effort over image.
For her, it’s about making a difference on defense, playing with heart, and not giving up on plays — even if that means risking a foul.
It’s a mentality shared by many elite defenders in the WNBA, who often toe the line between assertiveness and aggression.
What’s Next for Carrington and the Wings?
The Dallas Wings will need Carrington to walk a fine line going forward. Her tenacity and hustle are valuable assets for a team in need of tough defense and energy.
But continued flagrant fouls could lead to league intervention, fines, or worse — suspensions.
For Carrington, maintaining her identity as a hard-nosed defender while staying within the league’s guidelines will be a challenge, but one she seems ready to face.
Also Read: Dame Sarr Speaks Out: What Sealed the Deal with Duke Basketball?
Marina Mabrey Stands by DiJonai Carrington Amid Criticism
Marina Mabrey recently took to social media to defend DiJonai Carrington, her longtime friend and fellow WNBA competitor, after Carrington was once again accused of playing “dirty.”
The moment quickly sparked widespread fan reaction online, with some standing by Mabrey and others urging her to steer clear of the controversy. The tight bond between the two players, however, left little doubt about Mabrey’s loyalty.
Here’s a deep dive into the situation, the background between the two athletes, the history of Carrington’s aggressive playstyle, and how fans on social media are responding to it all.
A Friendship Built on Respect and Rivalry
Marina Mabrey and DiJonai Carrington’s friendship is well-documented. Despite playing for rival teams in the WNBA, their chemistry was on full display during the Unrivaled league season, where playful back-and-forth banter highlighted their close connection.
Whether it’s laughing on the court or hyping each other up online, their camaraderie is authentic and unshaken by competition.
So when Carrington began facing heat from fans online who labeled her a “dirty” player—especially in reference to past run-ins with players like Caitlin Clark—Mabrey didn’t hesitate to defend her.
Marina Mabrey’s Message: “Block Out the Noise”
Instead of addressing critics directly, Mabrey kept her response focused and empowering.
She urged Carrington to block out the noise and stay locked in on what matters: her game and her goals.
That kind of support is what Carrington has consistently received from Mabrey, who understands firsthand what it means to be mischaracterized or unfairly criticized in women’s basketball.
In a sport that often sees players’ passion misinterpreted, particularly when it comes from women of color, Mabrey’s encouragement serves as both friendship and activism.
Flashback: The Caitlin Clark Controversy
Much of the renewed criticism Carrington is facing stems from a highly scrutinized play last season when she appeared to swipe at Caitlin Clark’s face.
The footage led to an avalanche of online commentary, with many fans accusing Carrington of attempting to injure the Indiana Fever rookie.
However, both Marina Mabrey and Clark herself clarified that the play was not malicious. Clark downplayed the incident, calling it part of the physical nature of the game.
Mabrey came to Carrington’s defense, pushing back against the narrative that she was intentionally aggressive or dirty.
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A Style That Divides Opinion
DiJonai Carrington is known for her defensive intensity and toughness on the court. She isn’t afraid of contact and has built a reputation as a gritty, no-nonsense player.
While her playstyle earns her respect among teammates and coaches, it also makes her a target for criticism, especially from opposing fanbases.
In today’s social media age, one physical moment—caught in the wrong light—can quickly become the focus of aggressive online commentary. Carrington, unfortunately, is no stranger to that dynamic.
Twitter Reacts: Praise, Jokes, and Shade
As soon as Mabrey posted in support of Carrington, Twitter lit up with responses. Some users voiced disapproval, while others celebrated the loyalty and friendship on display.
One fan, clearly unimpressed, tweeted:
“Marina, don’t be defending.” – @sohali2012
Others responded with lighthearted affection and subtle suggestions:
“naibrey forever 🥲🥲🥲” – @phxsunz25
“Marina come play with your ☘️ sister in DC 😭” – @SoniaCitronGOAT
“Just take off the nails though 🤷🏽♀️” – @831Nedsmom
“Birds of a feather, and all that implies! 😉” – @Phlob
These reactions ranged from cheeky to critical, but all underscored how polarizing Carrington has become and how closely Mabrey is tied to her in the public eye.
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