A USA Today columnist asked a fair question. The WNBA Players Association responded with an unconventional statement.

USA Today columnist Christine Brennan is well respected in the journalism industry. She was an advocate for women’s sports and a pioneer among women in sports journalism. But beyond that, she enjoys a good reputation as a fair reporter and columnist.

However, controversy arose when the WNBA Players Association issued a scathing – and, I might add, unfair – statement about Brennan.

It all started last week when WNBA star Caitlin Clark was poked in the eye by Connecticut Sun guard DiJonai Carrington during a playoff game. Clark ended up with a black eye. I thought it was an accidental push when Carrington wanted the ball. But the incident gained traction on social media and Brennan asked Carrington about it. The question wasn’t inappropriate.

Brennan even posted the exchange on X.

Brennan asked Carrington, “When you kind of punched Caitlin, were you planning on punching her in the eye?” And if so, could you just talk about what happened in that piece, or if not, either way?”

Carrington said: “I don’t even know why I plan on punching someone in the eye. That doesn’t make any sense to me at all. But no, I didn’t. I didn’t even know I had hit her. I tried to pass the ball and I guess I succeeded and beat them. Obviously it’s never intentional, that’s not even the type of player I am.”

Brennan then asked if Carrington and any of her teammates later laughed about Clark getting hit. Carrington said no and, “I just told you I didn’t even know I hit her.”

A fair question asked and a reasonable answer given. That could and should have been it. But the controversy was just heating up.

Sports Illustrated’s Grant Young wrote, “Brennan was criticized for being accused of pushing the narrative circulating online that Carrington intentionally poked Clark in the eye, which was viewed as disrespectful by many in the WNBA community.”

Carrington was subsequently attacked on social media by people who believed she had intentionally hit Clark. She was harassed in a disgusting manner with racist insults and threats.

The WNBA Players’ Association then released its statement criticizing Brennan, writing: “To unprofessional members of the media like Christine Brennan: You are not deceiving anyone. This so-called interview in the name of journalism was a blatant attempt to entice a professional athlete to participate in a narrative that is false and aimed at stoking racist, homophobic and misogynistic hate speech on social media. You can’t hide behind your tenure. Instead of demonstrating the cornerstones of journalistic ethics such as integrity, objectivity and a fundamental commitment to the truth, you have chosen to be indecent and downright disingenuous.”

The statement continued: “You have abused your privileges and do not deserve the credentials issued to you.” And you are certainly not entitled to interviews with the members of this union or other athletes in the sport… We call on the USA Today Network to release its to review principles of ethical conduct for newsrooms and address what we believe is a violation of several core principles. including the search for and reporting of the truth.”

It also said: “USA Today Sports should explain why a reporter with clear bias and ulterior motives was assigned to cover the league.” We also urge the league to review its policies and take action to address such issues to prevent and protect the integrity of the game and its players.”

The bias accusation may stem from Brennan writing a book about Clark.

USA Today and senior sports editor Roxanna Scott responded by supporting Brennan with this statement: “Journalists ask questions and seek the truth. We reject the notion that the interview maintained any narrative other than directly capturing the player’s perspective. Christine Brennan is considered a champion for women and athletes, but first and foremost she is a journalist.”

Look, there’s no doubt that Clark is a lightning rod in the WNBA. Everything that happens around them – good or bad, on or off the field – is discussed and, yes, much of it has racist undertones. Clark, who is white, simply went out and played the game, as did her teammates and opponents, both black and white. Still others, many of whom come from poor backgrounds, bring race (and racist ideas) into the conversation. I’m mostly talking about the nastiness seen on social media. So you can understand why the WNBA players are extra sensitive about all of this.

But his statement to Brennan was inappropriate. I don’t always agree with Brennan’s perspective on things. She is a columnist. I’m not sure anyone should agree with her 100% of the time. But Brennan did her job, a job she has done well and fairly for decades. In this case, she contacted Carrington directly, which is the responsible thing to do in a journalistic manner.

I don’t think there’s any truth to this whole Carrington eye poke thing either. But that doesn’t mean Brennan was irresponsible for asking.

The WNBA Players Association is trying to protect its players. I understand that. But in this case they chose the wrong target and the wrong message.

This article originally appeared in the Poynter Report, our daily newsletter for everyone who cares about the media. Subscribe to the Poynter Report here.