The controversy surrounding the Alyssa Thomas and Caitlin Clark incident just took a new twist. According to a report from Sports Business Journal, the WNBA initially wasn't leaning toward suspending Thomas for her reckless contact with Clark—until NBA commissioner Adam Silver reportedly stepped in.
The incident occurred on June 24, when Thomas shoved her fist into Clark's throat during a game between the Phoenix Mercury and Indiana Fever. Although no foul was called on the play, the league later reviewed it and handed Thomas a Flagrant 2 foul and a one-game suspension. But behind the scenes, the decision may not have been as straightforward as it seemed.
Sources told Sports Business Journal that Silver pressured WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert to discipline Thomas. While a WNBA spokesperson called the report "absolutely false," multiple sources believe this is yet another sign that Engelbert may be in her final season as commissioner.
This latest development adds to the ongoing drama that has engulfed the league. Two weeks ago, Thomas revealed that she and her family had received death threats following the incident. She criticized Engelbert for staying silent while players faced threats.
“We still have yet to hear anything from Cathy,” Thomas said. “As usual, she remains silent, and that’s unfortunate when our lives are being threatened.”
The situation has also drawn attention from outside the WNBA. In a related commentary, Skip Bayless warned Republicans that their letter about Caitlin Clark could backfire, highlighting the political and social dimensions of the controversy.
Thomas's suspension came after she made contact with Clark's throat, a play that could have caused serious injury. The league's statement said Thomas was suspended for "recklessly making contact with her fist to the throat area" of Clark. However, the report suggests Engelbert may have needed a push from Silver to take action.
Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark's parents have broken their silence on the WNBA's toxic climate, adding to the pressure on league leadership to address the growing concerns about player safety and conduct.
For the WNBA to continue its growth, Engelbert must take command of tough situations immediately. The league's credibility is on the line, and fans are watching closely to see how it handles this and future incidents.
