Thomas Reveals Death Threats After One Game Suspension

By Charles Maduka

Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas has revealed that she has received death threats and racist abuse following her one-game suspension over an incident involving Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark.

Thomas, a six-time WNBA All-Star, appeared to knee Clark in the groin and make contact with her neck while both players battled for possession after Clark fell to the floor during the second quarter of the Mercury’s 111-109 victory. Although no foul was called during the game, the WNBA later suspended Thomas for “recklessly making contact with her fist to the throat area.”

Speaking on Tuesday, Thomas described the incident as an accident and said the Mercury players were unfairly being portrayed as violent. She also criticised WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert for not doing enough to protect players from online abuse.

The Fever had defeated the Mercury 88-77 two days earlier in a physical contest that featured several fouls and confrontations.

“It’s unfortunate that it’s come to this over basketball,” Thomas said.

“A lot of us – myself included – didn’t even know the play took place until after the game.

“There’s death threats out on us. It’s really unacceptable. It’s really something that needs to change in this league and I’m just really sick and tired of it.

“People are sending racial slurs and all types of stuff. The hatred that we’re experiencing over a play that, honestly, was a complete accident…

“We still have yet to hear anything from Cathy. It’s no surprise. You could see what’s being said on social media. As usual she remains silent.

“That’s unfortunate when our lives our being threatened.”

In response, Engelbert said the WNBA “vehemently condemns any and all forms of hate” and stressed that the safety and wellbeing of players remains the league’s highest priority.

Thomas served her suspension as the Mercury recorded a victory over the Toronto Tempo.

Later in the same game against Phoenix, Clark, widely regarded as one of the biggest stars in women’s basketball, landed awkwardly after being fouled while attempting a three-pointer. She left the game in the second half with a back injury and did not return.

Match officials reviewed the play, but only for a possible hostile act by Clark after she made contact with a defender’s face rather than for the foul committed against her.

Following the game, Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White criticised the officiating, describing the referees’ handling of incidents involving Clark as “egregious” and “utterly disrespectful.”

The Mercury and the Fever are scheduled to meet again on July 9 in Phoenix.