government
Mercury's Thomas says she has received online abuse following suspension for Caitlin Clark incident
By Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 30, 2026
· 4 min read
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas said she has received death threats and been called racial slurs in the aftermath of her one-game suspension after she made contact with her fist to Caitlin Clark’s throat in last week's matchup against Indiana.Thomas also criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy E...
Key takeaway Thomas also criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert for not doing more to protect the league's players when she spoke with reporters on Tuesday at the team's practice facility.
Why this matters in Tomball News
The incident involving Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas and the subsequent online abuse she has faced raises concerns about the safety and well-being of athletes in the Houston area, where the WNBA has a significant following. As a community that values its sports teams and players, Tomball residents should be aware of the impact that online harassment can have on individuals and the need for leagues and organizations to take proactive steps to protect their players. The fact that Thomas received death threats and racial slurs is unacceptable and highlights the need for greater accountability and consequences for those who engage in such behavior. The WNBA's statement condemning hate and prioritizing player safety is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to address the root causes of online abuse and ensure that players feel safe and supported both on and off the court.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Tomball News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas said she has received death threats and been called racial slurs in the aftermath of her one-game suspension after she made contact with her fist to Caitlin Clark’s throat in last week's matchup against Indiana.Thomas also criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy E...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Tomball News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Tomball News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from Tomball News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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