The WNBA's handling of the Alyssa Thomas and Caitlin Clark incident was apparently worse than everyone thought.
Back on June 24, Thomas was caught shoving her fist against Clark’s throat. It was a questionable play to say the least that could've resulted in a serious injury for the former No. 1 pick from Iowa.During Even though Thomas wasn't assessed a foul for her hit on Clark, she received a one-game suspension and a flagrant foul 2.
“Upon postgame review, the Phoenix Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas has received a Flagrant Foul 2 penalty and a one-game suspension for recklessly making contact with her fist to the throat area of Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark,” the league said. “Per WNBA rule, the League Office has the option, following its review of any game, to reclassify a Flagrant foul or to classify as Flagrant any foul not called as such during a game and may impose a fine and/or suspension.”
According to Sports Business Journal, the WNBA wasn't set on suspending Thomas despite making "reckless contact" with Clark. Apparently, NBA commissioner Adam Silver implored WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert to discipline Thomas.
"While a WNBA spokesperson said Wednesday it was 'absolutely false' that Engelbert did not originally plan to suspend Thomas, sources believe the fact Silver needed to persuade Engelbert is another sign she is likely in her final season as commissioner," the report from Sports Business Journal stated.
© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images.
It's been a brutal situation for the WNBA.
Two weeks ago, Thomas told reporters that she received death threats from several WNBA fans due to her altercation with Clark.
“I’m crazy, you know, the playing the game, being suspended, just the whole narrative that’s being painted out there. 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, you know, the game,” Thomas said. “And, you know, now we’re being painted as thugs, and there’s death threats out on us. So it’s really unacceptable. It’s something that needs to change in this league.”
Thomas also put Engelbert on blast for staying silent.
“We still have yet to hear anything from Cathy,” Thomas continued. “You can see what’s being said … As usual, she remains silent, and that’s unfortunate when our lives are being threatened.”
If the WNBA is going to thrive, it's imperative that Engelbert takes command of tough situations the moment they unfold.
