During the WNBA playoffs last year, a significant DeWanna Bonner confrontation incident unfolded involving Christine Brennan, a USA Today columnist. The incident occurred while Brennan was covering Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark’s first-round series against the Connecticut Sun, highlighting the tension surrounding an eye-poke event early in Game 1.

The Eye-Poke Incident That Sparked Controversy

The event that triggered the confrontation happened minutes into Game 1 when Connecticut Sun guard Dijonai Carrington accidentally poked Caitlin Clark in the eye. Following the game, Brennan questioned Carrington during a media session, asking whether the eye-poke was intentional. Although Carrington insisted it was accidental, the exchange quickly developed into a notable controversy.

The WNBA Players Association responded by releasing a statement condemning Brennan’s line of questioning and even called for her media credentials to be revoked, underscoring the sensitivity around the incident and its coverage.

DeWanna Bonner’s Direct Response to Brennan

Brennan shared an excerpt from her upcoming book about Caitlin Clark, revealing that DeWanna Bonner personally confronted her moments after Carrington’s interview. Bonner, a veteran player who was a teammate of Carrington at the time, clearly felt that Brennan’s questions attacked her teammate unfairly.

“Just a couple of minutes after Carrington’s interview session was over and she walked away, I was standing near the other reporters at the side of the court when her teammate DeWanna Bonner walked toward me.
‘You disrespected my teammate,’ she said.
I put out my hand and tried to introduce myself, but Bonner did not want to shake it.
‘You attacked my teammate,’ she said.
I motioned to my phone in my hand. ‘Can I tell you what I said?
I was happy to show her the video I had just taken of Carrington’s answers to my questions. I again tried to introduce myself since Bonner and I had never met, but Bonner wanted no part of that.
‘You attacked my teammate,’ she said again.
I tried to introduce myself once more. ‘I asked her a question to give her a chance to respond to a controversy.’
‘You disrespected my teammate,’ Bonner said again, walking away.
Bonner never raised her voice, nor did I.”

—Christine Brennan, Sports Columnist

Brennan’s account describes the confrontation as intense but civil, with Bonner repeatedly accusing her of disrespecting and attacking Carrington, despite Brennan’s attempts to engage and explain her intent.

DeWanna Bonner’s Role with the Indiana Fever

Since the incident, DeWanna Bonner signed a one-year deal with the Indiana Fever, joining Caitlin Clark on the same team. She appeared in nine games during the offseason before stepping away for personal reasons. Reports have since indicated that Bonner did not plan to return to the Fever and preferred to continue her career elsewhere.

The precise reasons behind Bonner’s abrupt departure remain unclear, but Indiana later waived her. As of now, Bonner has not signed with another team, leaving her future in the WNBA uncertain.

Christine Brennan’s Upcoming Book and Its Implications

Christine Brennan is preparing to release her eighth book, centered on Caitlin Clark’s rookie season and the growing excitement around the WNBA. This confrontation episode adds a layer of drama and insight into the challenges Clark and those around her have faced during a breakout year.

With the heightened attention on Clark and a surge of interest in women’s basketball, Brennan’s book is expected to attract widespread attention. It promises detailed coverage, including moments like the Bonner confrontation incident, which reveal the intense dynamics behind the scenes.

Wider Impact of the Confrontation on Media and Player Relations

The confrontation between Bonner and Brennan illustrates the delicate balance between journalistic inquiry and player advocacy in professional sports. Brennan’s questioning brought diplomatic tension, especially as it centered on a physical incident involving a rising star and a protective teammate.

This event highlights ongoing discussions about respect and responsibility in sports media coverage, especially in high-stakes settings like the WNBA playoffs. The incident may influence how journalists approach sensitive subjects and how players choose to respond publicly and privately moving forward.