WNBA foul fallout: Alyssa Thomas addresses threats following Caitlin Clark incident
WNBA players are calling out the league and leadership over a recent on-court incident that allegedly led to real-life threats.
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas criticized the league commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, after she said she received death threats following an on‑court incident with Indiana Fever point guard Caitlin Clark.
"There’s a difference between trolling and there’s a difference between hatred -- and the hatred that we’re experiencing over a play that honestly was a complete accident," Thomas told reporters during media availability on Tuesday. "It’s just unfortunate, but the league has to do better."
The play happened during last Wednesday night's game between the Mercury and the Fever.
As Clark was at the bottom of a scramble for the ball, video appears to show Thomas driving a fist into Clark's neck before Thomas lifts herself from the scuffle and carries on play. No foul was called on the play.
After a post-game review, the league upgraded the initial no‑call to a Flagrant Foul 2 and suspended Thomas for one game.
"Upon postgame review, the Phoenix Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas has received a Flagrant Foul 2 penalty and a one-game suspension for recklessly making contact with her fist to the throat area of Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark," a WNBA release announced on Thursday.
Fever head coach Stephanie White criticized the play in a post-game press conference on June 24.
"The fist on the throat it’s crazy. It’s crazy. It’s dangerous," White said.
Thomas, 34, said that in the aftermath of the game she and her family have been threatened and that she has been called racial slurs. She accused Engelbert of not doing enough to protect players.
"We’re so concerned about the safety on the court, but time and time again, we're having people threatening our lives," Thomas said. "I’m sick and tired of it, and it’s time for them to step up and have our backs in this business."
The WNBA said it condemns all forms of hate.
"The safety and well‑being of everyone in our community is always the league’s top priority," the league said in a statement to ABC News. "The league and security team have been in contact with the Phoenix Mercury organization and remain committed to protecting all players."
ABC News did not immediately receive comment from the Indiana Fever or a representative for Clark.
The Fever will face the Mercury again on July 9.
