Alyssa Thomas Reveals Death Threats and Racial Slurs After Caitlin Clark Incident

Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas mentioned she and her teammates have obtained dying threats and racist messages following her suspension after an on-court incident involving Caitlin Clark throughout a latest recreation in opposition to the Indiana Fever.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Thomas mentioned the backlash has gone far past basketball and has created worry for gamers and their households.

Alyssa Thomas Speaks Out After Death Threats

According to ESPN, the six-time WNBA All-Star additionally criticized Cathy Engelbert for what she believes was a sluggish response from the league.

“It’s unfortunate that it’s come to this over basketball,” Thomas mentioned. “Now we’re being painted as thugs. There’s death threats out on us. It’s really unacceptable.”

The controversy started in the course of the Mercury’s June 24 win over Indiana when Thomas made contact with Clark’s throat whereas each gamers had been scrambling for a free ball. Officials didn’t name a foul in the course of the recreation, however the WNBA later reviewed the play and upgraded it to a Flagrant 2 foul, resulting in a one-game suspension for Thomas.

Thomas described the play as unintentional and mentioned she didn’t even understand the contact had occurred till after the sport. She confused that her frustration will not be concerning the suspension itself however concerning the on-line abuse that adopted.

“It’s not even about the suspension,” Thomas defined. “The biggest thing is about our safety. People are threatening our lives, leaking addresses, and posting hateful things that have nothing to do with basketball.”

Alyssa Thomas Reveals Racist Threats

The veteran ahead additionally shared that racist insults and threats in opposition to households and youngsters have unfold on-line in latest days. According to Thomas, the state of affairs has been worse than something she has skilled throughout her WNBA profession.

“There’s a difference between trolling and hatred,” she mentioned. “The hatred that we’re experiencing over a play that honestly was a complete accident is just unfortunate.”

After Thomas’ feedback gained consideration, Engelbert launched a press release condemning the abuse.

“The WNBA vehemently condemns any and all forms of hate,” Engelbert mentioned. “The safety and well-being of everyone in our community is always the league’s top priority,” CBS reported

League officers reportedly contacted Mercury safety after studying concerning the threats. Thomas already served her suspension throughout Phoenix’s recreation in opposition to the Toronto Tempo.

Fever coach Stephanie White beforehand criticized referees for not calling the play in the course of the recreation, calling the missed foul “absolutely unacceptable.”

The Mercury and Fever are scheduled to face one another once more on July 9 in Phoenix.