Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas has revealed she has received death threats and been subjected to racial slurs following a controversial play involving Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark. Thomas expressed her dismay on Tuesday, stating the situation has escalated beyond the scope of basketball.
During a game last week, Thomas made contact with Clark while Clark was on the ground, with the play involving an apparent fist to the neck and a knee to the groin. Although no foul was called during the game, the WNBA later reviewed the incident and suspended Thomas for one game. Thomas described the play as an "complete accident" and stated that many players, including herself, did not realize the extent of the contact until after the game.
"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 told reporters. "We’re being painted as thugs. There’s death threats out on us."
Thomas, who served her suspension over the weekend, also criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert's handling of the situation, particularly the league's perceived lack of concern regarding the online discourse. "The league has to do better in this instance," Thomas urged, highlighting concerns for player safety and the influx of hateful messages and leaked personal information.
The WNBA released a statement acknowledging Thomas's concerns. Commissioner Engelbert stated that the "safety and well-being" of all league personnel is the "top priority" and that the treatment Thomas and her teammates experienced is "completely unacceptable and not representative of the WNBA community." The league confirmed it has been in contact with the Phoenix Mercury and is committed to player protection.
However, reports have surfaced suggesting that Thomas's account of her communication with Engelbert may not be entirely accurate. ESPN's Alexa Philippou reported that Thomas and Engelbert exchanged text messages last week, and the commissioner had instructed league security to contact the Mercury after learning of the threats. The controversy has drawn attention to the intense scrutiny and debate that often surrounds Caitlin Clark and her interactions with other players in the league.