Alyssa Thomas Suspended After Flagrant Foul on Caitlin Clark Sparks Outrage

The WNBA has suspended Phoenix Mercury ahead Alyssa Thomas for one recreation after reviewing a controversial play involving Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark.

Alyssa Thomas Receives First Suspension

The league introduced Thursday that Thomas acquired a Flagrant Foul 2 penalty for “recklessly making contact with her fist to the throat area” of Clark through the Mercury’s 111-109 win over the Fever on Wednesday evening, ESPN reported.

The incident occurred late within the second quarter after Clark drove into the lane and fell to the ground throughout contact with defender Lexi Held. As gamers scrambled for the free ball, Thomas appeared to thrust her fist into Clark’s neck earlier than stepping over her. No foul was referred to as through the recreation.

After reviewing the play, the WNBA dominated that Thomas dedicated a “non-basketball act” and handed down a suspension. She will miss Phoenix’s upcoming recreation towards the Toronto Tempo. It is the primary suspension of Thomas’ 13-year WNBA profession.

Caitlin Clark Leaves Game After Physical Plays

According to CBS, the play shortly brought about backlash on-line and drew a robust response from Fever coach Stephanie White, who criticized each the contact and the officiating.

“It’s absolutely egregious and utterly disrespectful,” White stated after the sport.

White additionally questioned why officers missed the play even after it was delivered to their consideration at halftime. She argued that Clark has not acquired constant officiating safety regardless of being one of many league’s greatest stars.

“The fist in the throat is crazy. It’s dangerous,” White stated. “We have a generational talent and a WNBA superstar who had two cheap shots right there that weren’t called.”

A number of possessions after the incident with Thomas, Clark was concerned in one other bodily play when Phoenix ahead Valeriane Ayayi closed out on her three-point try. Clark landed awkwardly on Ayayi’s foot, however officers selected to not improve the foul after evaluate.

Clark later exited the sport through the third quarter due to a again challenge and didn’t return. She completed with 19 factors and eight assists in 20 minutes earlier than heading to the locker room.

The Indiana Fever launched a press release supporting the league’s choice and once more emphasised participant security.

“Player safety should be paramount in our league,” the crew stated. “We appreciate the WNBA’s review of last night’s incident and the action taken.”