Did Christine Brennan file a complaint against DeWanna Bonner over the DiJonai Carrington interview? Viral report explored

As the WNBA playoffs rage on, USA Today columnist Christine Brennan has made waves with her encounter with two players from the Connecticut Sun. Things have reached new levels with her reportedly filing a complaint with the league. Brennan denied that she has filed a complaint.

The story began on Sept. 22, during Game 1 between the Sun and Indiana Fever. Early on in the game, DiJonai Carrington poked Caitlin Clark in the face while attempting to swipe at the ball. The Rookie of the Year was impacted by this play, as her eye quickly bruised after it.

During an interaction with the media, Christine Brennan approached Carrington to ask about the play. She asked her if the poke at Clark was done purposely, to which Carrington responded in the negative. Brennan harped on this topic, asking the Sun guard multiple follow-up questions about what happened.

Shortly after this exchange between Carrington and Brennan, DeWanna Bonner approached the reporter. Per the Washington Post, the two briefly talked about what happened before the veteran forward retreated to the locker room.

"Brennan repeatedly tried to introduce herself and explain what she said as Bonner implored the columnist to treat her teammates like humans. After nearly two minutes of mostly talking past each other, Bonner returned to the locker room. (Brennan confirmed the confrontation to The Washington Post.)"

On Monday, October 7, journalist Sarah Spain, who interviewed Brennan last week on her 'Good Game' podcast, posted a report claiming that Brennan filed a complaint with the WNBA.

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Christine Brennan claims viral report is inaccurate

As Sarah Spain's X post of Brennan filing a complaint against DeWanna Bonner came out, Brennan spoke on the situation. She responded to the initial post, stating it was inaccurate and that she did not take such action with the league.

As this situation continues to unfold, numerous people have spoken out on each side. USA Today, who Brennan works for, released a statement on September 27 backing her line of questioning with Carrington.

"We reject the notion that the interview perpetuated any narrative other than to get the player's perspective directly. Christine Brennan is well regarded as an advocate for women and athletes, but first and foremost, she's a journalist."

Among the most notable responses speaking out against Brennan's questioning came from the WNBA Players Association. They put out an extended statement on September 27 regarding what happened between her and Carrington. It described Brennan as 'unprofessional' and further said:

"That so-called interview in the name of journalism with a blatant attempt to bait a professional athlete into participating in a narrative that is false and designed to fuel racist, homophobic, and misogynistic vitriol on social media."

The statement also said that Brennan abused her position as a reporter and that her media credentials should be revoked in the future.

Brennan is currently working on a book on Caitlin Clark and her columns are mostly centered on the Indiana Fever star. She was asked about this on the podcast interview with Sarah Spain as well as on the criticism that there is a conflict of interest in her asking the said question to Carrington.