WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert released a statement two hours after Alyssa Thomas put her on blast, calling for an end to “hate” directed at Thomas.
Thomas, a Phoenix Mercury forward, put her hand on Caitlin Clark’s throat June 24, while both players were fighting for a loose ball. Referees did not call a foul during the game. The next day, the league reviewed the play and ruled it a “Flagrant 2 foul” for “recklessly making contact with her fist to the throat area.” Thomas was suspended for one game and fined $1,000.
“The WNBA vehemently condemns any and all forms of hate. The safety and well-being of everyone in our community is always the league’s top priority,” Engelbert said. “We are aware of Alyssa Thomas’ comments, and what she said she and her teammates have experienced is completely unacceptable and not representative of the WNBA community.”
NEW: WNBA player Alyssa Thomas has been suspended after she cheap-shotted Caitlin Clark in the throat.
No foul was called during the game as Thomas was caught on camera jamming her fist into Clark’s throat.
The league has now suspended Thomas for one game and will fine her… pic.twitter.com/dsFXNroz2L
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 25, 2026
Thomas claimed the narrative was overblown and led to her and her teammates receiving death threats. She also initially called out Engelbert for what she described as a lack of response.
“We still have yet to hear anything from [Engelbert],” Thomas told reporters at the time, before the commissioner’s statement. “You can see what’s being said … As usual, she remains silent, and that’s unfortunate when our lives are being threatened.”
As video of the play circulated widely, players and fans raised questions about the league’s approach to the seemingly continuous rough treatment of Clark. Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham was among those voicing disapproval.
“This type of shit happens every single game to [Clark], and the league and the [referees] do absolutely nothing about it.” (RELATED: Emmanuel Acho Has Easily One Of Worst Caitlin Clark Takes Of All-Time)
An ESPN analyst claimed June 29 that Caitlin Clark “embellishes” contact after the video showing a downed Clark receiving a throat punch went viral.