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WNBA's Thomas got death threats over Clark tiff

ESPN · Jun 30, 2026, 11:13 PM

Key takeaways

  • Thomas also criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert for not doing more to protect the league's players when she spoke with reporters Tuesday at the team's practice facility.
  • "It's unfortunate that it's come to this over basketball," Thomas said.
  • Thomas called the play a "complete accident" but said her main concern wasn't the suspension.

Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.

PHOENIX -- Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas said she has received death threats and has been called racial slurs in the aftermath of her one-game suspension after she made contact with her fist to Caitlin Clark's throat in last week's matchup against Indiana.

Thomas also criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert for not doing more to protect the league's players when she spoke with reporters Tuesday at the team's practice facility.

"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. 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."

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