Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas was suspended for one game by the WNBA after being assessed a Flagrant 2 foul for making contact with her fist to the throat area of Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark during a game on June 24. The play occurred in the second quarter when Clark fell to the floor, and Thomas, in pursuit of the loose ball, accidentally struck Clark's neck. No foul was called during the game, but the league retroactively penalized Thomas, who served her suspension on June 27.
Thomas addressed the incident publicly on June 30, revealing she had received death threats, racial slurs, and threats against her family following the play. She criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert for remaining silent amid the backlash, stating that players' safety and well-being were being ignored. Engelbert later responded, condemning the hate and threats while affirming the league's commitment to player protection.
Thomas defended her actions, stating she did not realize the severity of the play until after the game and that the narrative surrounding the incident was unfair. She emphasized the need for the league to better protect players from online harassment and threats. The WNBA has since mobilized security measures to address the situation.