Alyssa Thomas asks WNBA to protect all players after death threats

Key Points:

• Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas has called on the WNBA and commissioner Cathy Engelbert to take stronger action after receiving death threats and online abuse following her one-game suspension for making contact with Caitlin Clark's throat during a game.
• Thomas criticized the league for not communicating with her prior to the suspension announcement and for remaining silent amid threats, highlighting concerns over player safety and racial abuse directed at her and her family.
• Commissioner Engelbert responded by condemning all forms of hate and stating the league is working with security and the Phoenix Mercury organization to protect players, with Engelbert having reached out to Thomas personally.
• Thomas and Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts expressed frustration over the league's handling of the suspension, noting a lack of investigation and communication before the penalty was announced publicly.
• Despite the WNBA's "No Space For Hate" initiative launched in 2025 to combat hate and promote respect, Thomas said she has seen no improvement in addressing the racial slurs and threats players face.