Wed, July 01, 2026
Alyssa Thomas criticises WNBA after receiving death threats and racism following incident with Caitlin Clark
Phoenix Mercury player, Alyssa Thomas, has criticised the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) for its initial silence after she received death threats and racism following her one-game suspension for punching Indiana Fever player, Caitlin Clark’s throat which Thomas claims was a “complete accident” that she “didn’t even know took place until after the game.”
The contact was labelled a “cheap shot,” and the league continues to be berated for poor officiating as the game officials did not call a foul when this occurred. It was the day following the game that the WNBA decided to rule Thomas’ hit as a Flagrant Foul 2 penalty, the most serious type of personal foul in basketball. This was not the first foul against Clark to be upgraded to a Flagrant Foul after review. Some commentors claim that Clark is treated and officiated differently to those players with less status and that the officiating within the league is therefore inconsistent. However, others, such as The Guardian’s Andrew Lawrence, suggest that Clark’s fans cast her as the “target of a grand conspiracy,” sparking debate.
The incident in question occurred on June 24 during a match where Phoenix Mercury eventually won 111-109. In a jostle for the ball, Thomas seemingly kneed Clark in the groin and her closed fist hit Clark’s throat as she fell. Thomas then proceeded to step over Clark.
Since then, Thomas has criticised Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner, for not helping to protect her in the initial aftermath of what she alleges was a “complete accident,” voicing: “It’s unfortunate that it’s come to this over basketball…A lot of us – myself included – didn’t even know the play took place until after the game. Now we’re being painted as thugs. There’s death threats out on us. It’s really unacceptable. It’s something that needs to change in this league and I’m just really sick and tired of it.”
Thomas also expressed frustration that she was made aware of her suspension only 10 minutes before it was disclosed on social media. She elaborated: “It’s not even about the suspension…If that’s what they felt was necessary in that moment, then so be it. But I think there’s a lot of other plays that you can say the same about. The biggest thing is about our safety. We’re so concerned about the safety on the court, but time and time again, we’re having people threaten our lives. Leaking addresses out there. Putting crazy pictures that have nothing to do with basketball…
People are sending racial slurs and all types of stuff…There’s a difference between trolling and there’s a difference between hatred. The hatred that we’re experiencing over a play that, honestly, was a complete accident, no one even knew it happened. It’s just unfortunate. The league has to do better in this instance.”
Thomas’ suspension was criticised by Phoenix coach, Nate Tibbetts: “This was not a thorough investigation [by the WNBA] in my opinion,” he told ESPN, adding that the league made no effort to get the Mercury’s side of the story. “The people in this league know who [Thomas] is. The one thing she is not is cheap.”
Thomas continued: “We still have yet to hear anything from Cathy [Engelbert]…It’s no surprise. You could see what’s being said on social media. Yeah – it’s unfortunate, but as usual, she remains silent. That’s unfortunate when our lives our being threatened.”
In response, Engelbert released the following statement: “The WNBA vehemently condemns any and all forms of hate. The safety and well-being of everyone in our community is always the league’s top priority…
We are aware of Alyssa Thomas’ comments, and what she and her teammates have experienced is completely unacceptable and not representative of the WNBA community. The league and our security team have been in contact with the Phoenix Mercury organization and remain committed to protecting all players.”
Evidently, the WNBA is under significant scrutiny for not only for poor and inconsistent officiating during games, but also for its handling of abuse directed at players after games, highlighting concerns over player protection both on and off the court.
The two teams, Mercury and Fever, are set to play each other again on 9 July in Phoenix.
