Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Veteran Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas says she has received death threats and racial slurs following her one-game suspension for the flagrant foul on Caitlin Clark. Thomas drove her first into Clark’s throat during the game between the Mercury and Indiana Fever on June 24.
The incident occurred during the Phoenix Mercury’s 111-109 win over the Indiana Fever on June 24. While driving through the lane with 6:52 left in the second quarter, Caitlin Clark stumbled and was landed on by Alyssa Thomas, who then drove her fist into Clark’s throat as she stood back up.
While a foul was not called during the game, the WNBA reviewed the footage and suspended Thomas for one game after assessing the foul as a Flagrant 2.
Alyssa Thomas says she’s been getting death threats after her foul on Caitlin Clark and said the WNBA needs to do ‘better’
Speaking to the media on Tuesday night, Thomas addressed the foul and the suspension while also reveals that she’s received death threats in the aftermath.
“It’s unfortunate that it’s come to this over basketball. A lot of us — myself included — didn’t even know the play took place until after the game. Now we’re being painted as thugs,” Thomas said. “There’s death threats out on us. It’s really unacceptable. It’s something that needs to change in this league, and I’m just really sick and tired of it.”
“It’s not even about the suspension. If that’s what they felt was necessary in that moment, then so be it. But I think there’s a lot of other plays that you can say the same about. The biggest thing is about our safety. We’re so concerned about the safety on the court, but time and time again, we’re having people threaten our lives. Leaking addresses out there. Putting crazy pictures that have nothing to do with basketball.”
“People are sending racial slurs and all types of stuff. There’s a difference between trolling and there’s a difference between hatred. The hatred that we’re experiencing over a play that, honestly, was a complete accident, no one even knew it happened. It’s just unfortunate. The league has to do better in this instance.”
Alyssa Thomas said she received death threats after last week’s incident & called for the WNBA to take a stand.
“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.” pic.twitter.com/CLHzr2fbHB
— Cydney Henderson (@CydHenderson) June 30, 2026
Clark has not featured in a game for the Fever since that June 24 matchup against the Mercury has she’s been sidelined with a back injury.