Thomas Suspended Over Clark Hit
Alyssa Thomas is suspended one game after a throat hit to Caitlin Clark.
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Updated Jun 25, 8:49pm ETBoth sides, every morning
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The reporting
Left & CenterThe WNBA suspended Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas for one game and assessed a flagrant foul 2 after she made contact with her fist to Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark’s throat during Wednesday night’s 111-109 Mercury win. The incident occurred with 6:52 left in the second quarter while Clark, Thomas and other players were on the floor scrambling for the ball. Officials did not call a foul during the game, but the league later ruled Thomas’ contact a “non-basketball act” and “recklessly” directed at Clark’s throat area. The decision added to scrutiny around how the league protects Clark, one of its biggest stars, after another high-profile physical incident.
Analysis & opinion
League CriticismMostly Right
Commentators and opinion writers used the Thomas-Clark incident to argue that the WNBA is failing to protect the player who has dramatically expanded its audience and marketability. Some pieces framed the response through broader debates over officiating, media narratives, race and whether the league minimizes repeated physical play against Clark.
Mercury Meme BacklashMostly Right
The Phoenix Mercury deleted a social media post that appeared to mock Caitlin Clark after the throat-contact incident, using a cartoon image and the caption “De-wanna piece of this?!?” Screenshots of the post circulated widely online and drew backlash because it came after Clark had been hit during the game.
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