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WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert issued a public statement on Mardi addressing the wave of online harassment aimed at Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas. The move came in response to mounting criticism after Thomas was suspended for a game following a controversial incident involving Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark.
Alyssa Thomas Détails Death Threats Following Caitlin Clark Incident
Last week, Thomas received a one-game suspension for a retroactive Flagrant 2 foul related to contact with Clark’s throat during a game. Following the announcement, Thomas disclosed that she had been subjected to racial slurs and death threats online, highlighting the severity of the backlash she endured.
Before Commissioner Engelbert’s response, Thomas openly criticized the league’s leadership for their silence on the issue. Speaking to reporters, she remarked, “We still have yet to hear anything from Cathy. As usual, she remains silent.” This public expression of frustration intensified calls for the league to take a clearer stance against the abuse directed at its players.
Engelbert’s statement marked the league’s first official reaction to the controversy, condemning the harassment and reaffirming the WNBA’s commitment to protecting its athletes from such attacks. The development underscores ongoing tensions surrounding disciplinary decisions and the broader conversation about player safety and respect within the league.
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