Media personality Dan Dakich has criticized Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas's response to her one-game suspension for a play involving Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark. Thomas was suspended for "recklessly making contact with her fist to the throat area" of Clark during the June 24 game. Thomas stated that she and other WNBA players are being unfairly portrayed as villains and are receiving death threats.
Dakich, speaking on "Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich," suggested that Thomas's comments represent a broader pattern within the WNBA where players avoid personal accountability. "Say you’ve gotten death threats, blame the fans," Dakich remarked. "You’ve got to blame the fans because you can’t take personal responsibility."
He further contended that this behavior has been prevalent for years, suggesting that "angry lesbians, African-American lesbians in the WNBA haven’t had to take any personal responsibility." Dakich contrasted this with Clark, whom he noted has remained largely silent amidst the controversy.
The WNBA's response, including a statement from Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, addressed the hate speech and threats received by players but did not specifically comment on Clark. Engelbert stated, "The safety and well-being of everyone in our community is always the league’s top priority." Thomas expressed dissatisfaction with this statement, calling for the league to "put a stand on it" and "have our backs."
Christine Brennan, a women's sports reporter, questioned the league's silence regarding the visual of the incident involving Clark, who has significantly boosted viewership and revenue for the WNBA. Brennan noted that Clark's presence has improved the financial standing and visibility for many players.
Brennan, speaking on Dakich's show, described the situation as a failure of anticipation by the WNBA, stating the league was "completely and utterly unprepared for the moment" despite the attention Clark garnered in college basketball. The narrative suggests that while Clark has driven increased attention, revenue, and relevance to the league, the WNBA has struggled to manage the associated challenges and controversies effectively. The implementation of charter flights and potential for increased player salaries in the new 2026 Collective Bargaining Agreement are cited as benefits Clark has indirectly facilitated, although her rookie contract predates these changes, potentially leaving her underpaid relative to her impact.