Alyssa Thomas recently put the league on blast after revealing she received threats against her life following last week’s heated incident involving Caitlin Clark. Thomas didn’t hold back either. She questioned why WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert had remained “silent” while the online chaos exploded.
Well, the commissioner has now responded.
Engelbert said there is absolutely no place for hate, threats, or abusive behavior in the WNBA. She made it clear the league supports the safety of its players and condemned the attacks directed at Thomas and others.
NEW: WNBA player Alyssa Thomas has been suspended after she cheap-shotted Caitlin Clark in the throat.
No foul was called during the game as Thomas was caught on camera jamming her fist into Clark's throat.
The league has now suspended Thomas for one game and will fine her… pic.twitter.com/dsFXNroz2L
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 25, 2026
“The WNBA vehemently condemns any and all forms of hate,” She said, per ESPN’s Alexa Philippou. “The safety and well-being of everyone in our community is always the league’s top priority. We are aware of Alyssa Thomas’ comments, and what she and her teammates have experienced is completely unacceptable and not representative of the WNBA community.
“The league and our security team have been in contact with the Phoenix Mercury organization and remain committed to protecting all players.”
Better late than never, according to some fans.
Alyssa Thomas says last week’s incident won’t affect how she plays moving forward:
“Basketball is meant to be physical. If you watch the clip back, no one in the stands or their bench knew that it happened.” pic.twitter.com/CLQmasWauD
— Dylan Kane (@DylanKaneSports) June 30, 2026
Hopefully, this serves as a reminder that rivalries belong on the hardwood, not in someone’s inbox. Players can compete, trash-talk, and battle for 40 minutes. Once the game ends, everyone should be able to go home without worrying about threats from strangers hiding behind anonymous accounts.
The WNBA’s biggest challenge isn’t growing the game anymore, it’s making sure the conversation around the game stays respectful.
Alyssa Thomas went from taking cheap shots on Caitlin Clark to playing victim & talking about receiving “death threats” 😂 https://t.co/luwoY1nA0t pic.twitter.com/DsGCEJU6ur
— Kyle Ingram (@SnapshotKyle) June 30, 2026
At the end of the day, basketball is supposed to raise your blood pressure during the fourth quarter, not because someone is sending ridiculous messages online.
