Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas Says She’s Getting Death Threats After Her Foul on Caitlin Clark: 'Unfortunate That it’s Come to This'

Natasha DyeWed, July 1, 2026 at 4:22 PM UTC

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Alyssa Thomas and Caitlin Clark on June 22, 2026Credit: Brian Spurlock/Getty -

Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas said she's received death threats after her foul on Caitlin Clark sparked discourse among WNBA fans

Thomas said she and other WNBA players are "being painted as thugs" adding, "There's death threats out on us"

"It’s something that needs to change in this league and I’m just really sick and tired of it," Thomas told reporters

Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas says she's gotten death threats after fouling Caitlin Clark.

Thomas, 34, received a single game suspension after the league reviewed her foul on Clark, 24, during their matchup on June 24 that saw Thomas' fist on top of the Fever star's neck. On Tuesday, June 30, Thomas told reporters she's been the subject of death threats in the days since.

Thomas told reporters her foul against Clark was a "complete accident" and said, “It’s unfortunate that it’s come to this over basketball,” as seen in a clip on X.

“A lot of us, myself included, didn’t even know the play took place until after the game. Now we’re being painted as thugs. There’s death threats out on us," Thomas continued. "It’s really unacceptable. It’s something that needs to change in this league and I’m just really sick and tired of it.”

Alyssa Thomas on Aug. 1, 2025 in GeorgiaCredit: Andrew J. Clark/Getty

Thomas said: “It’s not even about the suspension. If that’s what they felt was necessary in that moment, then so be it. But I think there’s a lot of other plays that you can say the same about."

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"The biggest thing is about our safety. We’re so concerned about the safety on the court, but time and time again, we’re having people threaten our lives. Leaking addresses out there. Putting crazy pictures that have nothing to do with basketball," she said, according to the .

Later on Tuesday, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert released a statement in response to Thomas' comments. “The WNBA vehemently condemns any and all forms of hate. The safety and well-being of everyone in our community is always the league’s top priority,” Engelbert said.

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“We are aware of Alyssa Thomas’ comments, and what she and her teammates have experienced is completely unacceptable and not representative of the WNBA community. The league and our security team have been in contact with the Phoenix Mercury organization and remain committed to protecting all players.”

Clark exited the game against the Mercury early and didn't play in the Fever's next game. Fever head coach Stephanie White called the fouls against Clark "egregious" and said it was "utterly disrespectful" of the WNBA officials not to call a foul at the time. "The fist in the throat is crazy. It's crazy. It's dangerous," White said.

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Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Sports”