sports
WNBA suspends Alyssa Thomas for hitting Caitlin Clark in the throat
Updated on: June 25, 2026 / 8:49 PM EDT / CBS/AP
TL;DR
- Alyssa Thomas of the Phoenix Mercury received a one-game suspension for a flagrant foul on Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever.
- The incident occurred when Thomas's fist made contact with Clark's throat during a scramble for the ball.
- Referees did not call a foul at the time, which Fever coach Stephanie White described as "egregious" and "unacceptable."
- The WNBA's League Office reviewed the game and upgraded the foul, deeming Thomas's act a "non-basketball act."
- Thomas will serve her suspension on Saturday, June 27, when the Mercury play the Toronto Tempos.
- Indiana Fever President Kelly Krauskopf emphasized the importance of player safety and appreciated the WNBA's action.
- This is not the first time the league has upgraded a foul against Clark; a similar incident occurred last season with Marina Mabrey.
- Clark was also fouled while shooting a 3-pointer later in the game, but that foul was not upgraded.
- Clark left the game in the third quarter after scoring 19 points and recording eight assists; the Mercury won 111-109.
- Clark has a history of back issues, having missed a game in May due to them.
- In a prior game on Monday night between the Mercury and Fever, six technical fouls were called, one player was ejected, and Clark received her fifth technical foul of the season, which will stand despite a petition.