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Alyssa Thomas suspended one game for fist to Caitlin Clark's throat
USA Today • • general
Key Points:
- During a WNBA game between the Indiana Fever and Phoenix Mercury, Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas pushed her fist into Fever star Caitlin Clark's throat in a play that went uncalled by officials, sparking outrage.
- Fever coach Stephanie White condemned the act as a "cheap shot" and criticized the lack of officiating consistency, noting Clark left the game due to an aggravated back injury.
- The WNBA subsequently suspended Thomas for one game and upgraded the foul to a Flagrant 2-level, imposing a $1,000 fine for the "non-basketball act."
- The Fever praised the league's action on player safety while focusing on Clark's recovery ahead of their next game.
- The rivalry between the Mercury and Fever has been heated this season, with multiple incidents involving Thomas and Clark; Thomas has a history of aggressive play leading to injuries and fouls.
