DiJonai Carrington Calls Out Referee for “Microaggressions” After Security Incident

The WNBA’s opening week has already delivered on-the-court excitement — and now, off-the-court controversy.

Dallas Wings guard DiJonai Carrington made headlines this week after a bizarre postgame incident involving a referee calling security on her following a heated but reportedly civil exchange. The moment took place Thursday night after the Wings fell to the Chicago Sky, 97-92, in what was Chicago’s first win of the young season.

Carrington, known for her passion and vocal leadership, was seen having an animated discussion with referee Roy Gulbeyan after the final buzzer. While such conversations between players and officials are common in professional sports, what happened next wasn’t: Gulbeyan summoned arena security to intervene.

DiJonai Carrington (Photo via X)

Carrington Reacts on Social Media

Carrington wasted no time sharing her side of the story. Taking to social media shortly after the game, she expressed disbelief and frustration at how the situation unfolded.

“Security…, when I’m literally having a civil conversation is insane,” she wrote in a repost on X (formerly Twitter), calling out what she perceived to be an overreaction by the official. She also mocked the way “security” was spelled in the original report: “Mind you, he called the ‘sEcUrItY’ over there.”

Carrington further suggested that the ref’s actions were rooted in “microaggressions” — a term used to describe subtle, often unconscious expressions of bias or discrimination.

It’s not yet clear what was said between Carrington and Gulbeyan, as no official transcripts or reports have been released. However, Carrington’s frustration was palpable, and the rare escalation to security — especially in the WNBA — sparked a flurry of reactions from fans and commentators online.

A Double Standard?

Many fans came to Carrington’s defense, pointing to the glaring double standards in how male and female athletes are treated when voicing frustration toward officials.

“Draymond Green literally abuses refs every game,” one user posted in response to Carrington’s thread. “If they have to call security for you, you know he f***ed up.”

Indeed, the NBA is filled with moments where players passionately — and sometimes aggressively — confront referees with little consequence beyond technical fouls. Calling security on a player, particularly one having a verbal exchange, is nearly unheard of.

Carrington’s choice to call the incident a “microaggression” ignited broader conversations about race, gender, and power dynamics in professional sports. Many fans and fellow athletes expressed concern that a Black woman simply standing her ground in a conversation could be viewed as a threat — not due to her behavior, but due to the perception of her tone or presence.

“Black women don’t get the grace of being ‘passionate’ — they get labeled as ‘aggressive,’” one fan wrote. “This is exactly what DiJonai is calling out.”

Carrington’s Role and Rise

DiJonai Carrington has never been one to bite her tongue. The 26-year-old is outspoken, confident, and deeply aware of the influence she wields — both on and off the court.

After a breakout 2024 season with the Connecticut Sun, where she averaged 12.7 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, Carrington was named the WNBA’s Most Improved Player. Her tenacity, athleticism, and two-way play made her one of the most valuable guards in the league.

In the offseason, she was traded to the Dallas Wings as part of a four-team blockbuster deal that shook up rosters across the league. Though still adjusting to a new team and system, Carrington has embraced her role as a vocal leader and culture-setter in Dallas.

“She brings fire,” said Wings head coach Latricia Trammell earlier this month. “She holds herself and everyone around her accountable. That’s the kind of leadership we need.”

Carrington’s strong personality and fierce competitiveness have made her a fan favorite — but also, at times, a lightning rod for criticism. Thursday night’s incident only underscored how thin the line can be for women, and particularly women of color, who challenge authority in professional spaces.

What Do the Rules Say?

There’s no official WNBA rule that prohibits referees from calling security if they feel threatened, but such actions are extraordinarily rare. Most conflicts between players and referees are handled internally — with technical fouls or ejections during the game, or with league reviews and fines afterward.

To date, there’s been no indication from the WNBA that Carrington will face any disciplinary action for the postgame interaction. Likewise, the league has not commented publicly on Gulbeyan’s decision to call security.

Still, the optics of the situation have generated significant blowback. For many, it appeared to be a case of disproportionate response — a routine postgame conversation escalating into an unnecessarily dramatic scene.

A Growing League With Growing Pains

The incident also shines a light on the changing landscape of the WNBA. With record-breaking viewership, increased investment, and more media attention than ever before, the league is growing — fast. But that growth comes with growing pains, including how players, referees, and the league navigate public scrutiny and player empowerment.

In past eras, an incident like this might have gone unnoticed. But in today’s WNBA, where every game is televised, every quote is tweeted, and every player has a platform, nothing happens in the dark.

Carrington, for her part, has used that platform to advocate for player rights, gender equity, and racial justice. She’s not just playing the game — she’s trying to change it.

“This league is different now,” one WNBA analyst tweeted in support of Carrington. “Players aren’t just athletes. They’re leaders, they’re activists, and they’re not afraid to speak up — even when it makes people uncomfortable.”

What’s Next?

As of Monday, neither DiJonai Carrington nor referee Roy Gulbeyan has made any further public statements regarding the incident. The WNBA also has yet to issue an official comment or statement.

Still, the conversation sparked by the moment has already taken root — and it’s unlikely to fade soon. For Carrington, the situation may serve as another chapter in her growing influence both as a player and as a voice for change.

And for the WNBA, it’s a reminder that as the league rises, so too will the spotlight — and the need to handle moments like this with fairness, transparency, and understanding.

Because in a league full of passionate, driven athletes, standing up for yourself shouldn’t require security.