Phoenix Mercury player Alyssa Thomas is receiving public support from her fiancée and teammate, DeWanna Bonner, as well as criticism directed at the WNBA from Clark's teammate, Sophie Cunningham, following Thomas's one-game suspension. Thomas was suspended after an incident where she appeared to punch Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark in the throat during a game last Wednesday.
Bonner, also a teammate of Thomas on the Phoenix Mercury, showed her solidarity by wearing Thomas's No. 25 jersey to a game on Saturday. Thomas herself was unable to play due to her suspension.
Bonner and Thomas are a prominent couple in the WNBA, engaged since 2023. They previously played together on the Connecticut Sun before reuniting in Phoenix.
Meanwhile, Clark's teammate Sophie Cunningham voiced strong opinions on her podcast, asserting that the WNBA and its referees do not adequately protect Clark from aggressive play. Cunningham stated that similar incidents happen to Clark every game, and that the league and officials do nothing about it. She believes players are intentionally targeting Clark, and the league's inaction is unacceptable.
Cunningham's co-host, West Wilson, suggested that WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert might be envious of Clark's popularity. Wilson stated that the commissioner might be withholding a platform from Clark due to her overshadowing the league's broader visibility.
Many fans have considered Thomas's one-game suspension to be lenient. She is scheduled to return to play on Thursday night against the Seattle Storm.
Phoenix Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts, however, criticized the league's suspension process, calling it not thorough. He added that he was not contacted by the WNBA for his input. Tibbetts defended Thomas's character, describing her as a competitor and winner who is tough but not “cheap.”