Chicago Sky management has suspended DiJonai Carrington and Kate Martin indefinitely following a heated confrontation during Monday’s practice at the team’s training facility.
According to multiple sources familiar with the situation, the incident erupted during a competitive scrimmage late in the session. What began as a dispute over defensive rotations and effort quickly escalated into shouting and physical contact. Teammates and coaching staff stepped in to separate the two players before the session was cut short.
Carrington, the veteran wing known for her intensity and defensive versatility, has been a high-energy presence since returning from a lengthy foot injury earlier this season. Martin, a developmental-contract addition signed in early September after stints with the Sparks and other clubs, has been working to earn minutes and carve out a role on a short-handed roster.
Team officials declined to detail the exact exchange but confirmed both players were sent home and will miss the Sky’s upcoming games while the organization reviews the matter. A brief team statement released Tuesday afternoon said: “The Chicago Sky hold every player to high standards of professionalism and respect. Following an incident in practice, DiJonai Carrington and Kate Martin have been suspended. Further decisions will be announced after internal review. We expect all members of this organization to compete hard while maintaining accountability to one another.”
The suspensions come at a difficult moment for the Sky, who sit outside playoff contention and have dealt with injuries and inconsistency throughout the year. Coach Tyler Marsh has repeatedly emphasized culture and competitiveness as the team tries to finish the season with purpose. Insiders say the confrontation reflected mounting frustration over playing time, roles, and the physical demands of practice as the roster continues to shuffle.
Neither player has publicly commented. Sources indicate the team is prioritizing de-escalation and expects both to return once the situation is resolved, though no timeline has been set. League sources said the WNBA office has been notified but is not expected to add further discipline at this stage.
For a franchise already navigating a challenging campaign, the internal friction adds another layer of uncertainty as the Sky look to close out the regular season with focus and unity. Management’s swift action signals an effort to keep standards high even as the playoff window has closed.
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