The WNBA has denied reports that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver intervened to discipline Alyssa Thomas for her on-court altercation with Caitlin Clark during a recent game. The Sports Business Journal (SBJ) initially reported that Silver convinced WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to suspend Thomas for one game and assess a Flagrant 2 foul, which carries a $1,000 fine. However, the WNBA issued a statement calling the claim "absolutely false."
Core Facts & Developments
- The SBJ reported that Engelbert initially did not plan to suspend Thomas but was persuaded by Silver to take disciplinary action.
- The WNBA has denied any involvement from Silver, stating the report is inaccurate.
Deeper Context & Perspectives
Background of the Incident
Thomas was not immediately punished after the incident, which involved her striking Clark in the throat. The WNBA later reviewed the play and issued a one-game suspension and a Flagrant 2 foul. The SBJ reported that Engelbert was concerned about appearing biased toward Clark, who has faced multiple hard fouls and trash talk as the league's rising star.
Public and Political Reactions
The incident sparked a social media backlash, with fans and lawmakers calling for stricter enforcement. Marlin Stutzman (R-Ind.) joined other lawmakers in writing to Engelbert, urging her to ensure player safety. Meanwhile, Silver defended Engelbert's leadership, stating she has made "tremendous progress" in building the WNBA.
Disciplinary Precedents
The WNBA has historically been lenient in disciplining players involved in physical altercations with Clark. The SBJ noted that Engelbert has not attended an Indiana Fever game since Clark was drafted, raising questions about perceived favoritism.
Ongoing Discussions
Silver mentioned that discussions about Engelbert's role in the WNBA will continue, though he praised her work. The league has not commented further on the SBJ report.