Caitlin Clark and Alyssa Thomas got into an altercation when the Indiana Fever lost 111-109 to the Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday night. While fighting for possession in the second quarter, Clark landed on the floor, and Thomas followed. The Mercury forward had her fist on Clark’s throat.
Fans were furious alongside all the Fever teammates and staff. They demanded a punishment for Thomas. Upon review, the WNBA on Thursday declared a one-game suspension for the Phoenix star’s “reckless” and “non-basketball” contact. However, it wasn’t enough for fans, with many not satisfied with the ruling.
After Clark left the game in the third quarter with back discomfort, the Fever struggled to find momentum. The Mercury took advantage and won 111-109.
WNBA’s full statement for Alyssa Thomas’ action against Caitlin Clark
The WNBA issued a statement to explain its decision to suspend Thomas for one game. The action was deemed as 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, it was announced today by the WNBA,” the statement read.
“The incident, for which Thomas was deemed to have committed a non-basketball act, occurred with 6:52 remaining in the second quarter of the Mercury’s 111-109 win over the Fever last night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. 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.”
Thomas is set to miss Mercury’s game versus the Toronto Tempo on Saturday.
Read more:
Mercury’s Kahleah Copper Exposes Vile Racist Abuse Following Caitlin Clark Incident
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