Alyssa Thomas Flames WNBA Commissioner After Receiving Death Threats Over Caitlin Clark Incident

Alyssa Thomas has received death threats and been called racial slurs following a controversial incident with Caitlin Clark.

Alyssa Thomas Flames WNBA Commissioner After Receiving Death Threats Over Caitlin Clark Incident

Alyssa Thomas and Cathy Engelbert (Image credits - Firstsportz)

Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas has landed herself in some controversy. She has been on the receiving end of death threats and racial slurs after her controversial incident with Caitlin Clark.

When the Mercury took on the Indiana Fever last week, Thomas was seen landing a punch to the neck of Clark when she was on the floor. Although the officials did not notice it during the game, the clip of the punch quickly went viral. The punch got Thomas suspended for one game.

For the first time since the incident, Thomas spoke to the media about being attacked by fans on social media.

We’re so concerned with safety on the court, but time and time again we’re having people threatening our lives…The league remains silent. I’m sick and tired of it.

Alyssa Thomas in her media scrum

Alyssa Thomas called out the WNBA and commissioner Cathy Engelbert for not doing enough to protect its players from abuse on various platforms. There have been several players who have been victims of harassment and stalking over the last few years, including Caitlin Clark.

It was a closely fought game that saw Mercury record an 111-109 victory over the Fever, but the incident with Clark grabbed the headlines. Fever head coach Becky Hammon lashed out at the referees for a lack of parity, which eventually resulted in a one-game suspension for Thomas.

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Cathy Engelbert and Alyssa Thomas exchanged texts last week

The internet has always been a tough place for athletes all over the world. Hate and racial abuse towards players on social media has been increasing over the last few years. It was reported that Alyssa Thomas and Cathy Engelbert exchanged messages after the former received death threats across social media.

WNBA insider Alexa Philippou reported that Engelbert has directed league security to take action regarding the abuse Thomas has been receiving online.

Engelbert and Thomas exchanged texts last week, multiple sources told ESPN, and Engelbert directed league security to get in touch with Phoenix security once hearing about the threats toward Thomas.

Alexa Philippou on X

The WNBA released a statement saying that the “safety and well-being” of everyone involved with the league is its “top priority.” However, they still need to take more stringent measures to protect its players.

Alyssa Thomas will not change the way she plays moving forward

Alyssa Thomas has been in the spotlight for the wrong reasons after her unfortunate incident with Caitlin Clark. While Thomas has received support from some after what happened, the scrutiny has been a lot more.

Alyssa Thomas (middle) with her fist at Caitlin Clark's throat
Alyssa Thomas (middle) with her fist at Caitlin Clark’s throat (Image via Grace Smith/X)

While speaking to the media, she was asked if she would change her playing style moving forward after the incident.

It doesn’t at all. Basketball is meant to be physical. If you watch the clip back, no one in the stands or their bench knew that it happened. Basketball is a contact sport.

Alyssa Thomas in her media scrum

It remains to be seen what actions the WNBA takes to protect its players from hate moving forward. The backlash surrounding the play quickly grew beyond the realm of basketball. The growing scrutiny also has to do with the growing popularity of the WNBA; hence, stricter measures need to be taken to protect its players.

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