Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas stood inside her team’s practice facility on Tuesday and demanded accountability from the WNBA after receiving death threats and abuse.
The online harassment came after a physical incident involving her and Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark last Wednesday, a play that resulted in a one-game suspension for Thomas and ignited widespread debate.
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Nonetheless, Thomas did not mince words about the aftermath or the league’s initial silence on the matter, calling out WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
Alyssa Thomas Speaks Out on Suspension Aftermath
Thomas absorbed a retroactive Flagrant 2 foul and a $1,000 fine after her fist made contact with Clark’s throat during a loose-ball scramble in the second quarter of Phoenix’s 111-109 victory.
The play drew no whistle from the officials during live action, but the league office reviewed the footage, upgraded the foul to a “non-basketball act,” and announced the suspension.
While Thomas served her suspension on Saturday against the Toronto Tempo, she expressed her dissatisfaction at how the incident was handled and the problematic consequences she had to endure.
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“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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Admitting that she didn’t know she was being suspended until 10 minutes before the announcement was made on social media, the six-time All-Star said, “It’s not even about the suspension.”
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“If that’s what they felt was necessary in that moment, then so be it,” Thomas continued. “… The biggest thing is about our safety … 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.”
Thomas alleged that neither Engelbert nor any league representatives had reached out.
However, the commissioner later clarified her stance, stating, “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.
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“The league and our security team have been in contact with the Phoenix Mercury organization and remain committed to protecting all players.”
While the league looks to fix concerns and issues surrounding on-court player safety, the heightened emotional response from the toxic sports fandom leaves players exposed to threats off the court.
