Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas has publicly criticized the WNBA and Commissioner Cathy Engelbert regarding a perceived lack of communication and support following an incident with Caitlin Clark. Thomas reported receiving online abuse and death threats in the aftermath of her suspension last week.
Thomas was suspended for one game after making contact with Clark’s throat during a game. She described the incident as a “complete accident,” stating that neither she nor her teammates initially realized it had occurred. The contact happened midway through the second quarter of the Mercury’s 111-109 victory over the Fever, when Clark was on the ground pursuing a loose ball and Thomas fell, with her hand appearing to push off Clark’s throat as she rose.
No foul was called during the play, and the game continued. However, a post-game review led to Thomas being issued a flagrant foul, a one-game suspension, and a $1,000 fine. Thomas indicated she was not informed of her suspension until shortly before it became public on social media.
Concerns Over Player Safety and League Response
Thomas expressed her disappointment with the league’s response, stating that Engelbert and the WNBA had not contacted her or her teammates directly about the abuse. “We still have yet to hear anything yet from Cathy. It’s no surprise. You can see what’s being said on social media,” Thomas commented, adding, “It’s unfortunate, but as usual, she remains silent. That’s unfortunate when our lives are being threatened.”
She emphasized that the threats and abuse she has faced go beyond typical online trolling experienced by professional athletes. Thomas stated, “It’s unfortunate that it’s come to this over basketball. … Now we’re being painted as thugs and there’s death threats out on us. It’s really unacceptable, and something that needs to change in this league.”
Thomas clarified that she is not concerned about the suspension itself, but rather the league’s perceived inaction in protecting players off the court. “The biggest thing is, it’s just about our safety,” she said. “We’re so concerned about the safety on the court, but time and time again we’re having people threatening our lives. … At some point, the league needs to put a stand on it.”
Following Thomas’ comments, Commissioner Engelbert issued a statement condemning hate and affirming the league’s commitment to player safety. Engelbert mentioned that the league and its security team had contacted the Mercury organization. According to a person familiar with the situation, Engelbert also offered to speak with Thomas last week.
Reactions from Coaches and Upcoming Games
Fever coach Stephanie White criticized the officiating after the game, noting that officials told her they did not see the foul during play. White called the situation “absolutely egregious and utterly disrespectful.” Clark left that game early.
Mercury head coach Nate Tibbets voiced his disappointment with Thomas’ suspension, stating that those involved were not questioned by the league. He expressed that no one from the league contacted Thomas, the team’s security, or himself regarding their perspective on the incident.
Meanwhile, Sophie Cunningham, another WNBA player, discussed the targeting of Clark on a podcast, noting, “You see the videos of literally kneeing and cheapshotting [Clark] in the throat… they’re definitely targeting her and the league and the refs do nothing to protect her.” Cunningham also stated, “None of our team saw it happen because I promise you if we would have seen that happen, we would have had her back.”
Thomas, in her 13th season, is currently averaging 14.7 points, 8.4 assists, and 6.6 rebounds per game. The Mercury’s season record stands at 7-13 as they prepare for their game against the Seattle Storm on Thursday. The Mercury and Fever are scheduled to play each other again on July 9 in Arizona.
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Source: sports.yahoo.com
