Overview
- The play took place during a loose-ball scramble on June 24 when Thomas’ closed fist made contact near Caitlin Clark’s throat and the WNBA later upgraded the moment to a Flagrant Foul 2 and issued a one-game suspension.
- Thomas says she and her family have received death threats, racial slurs and leaked personal information online, and she described the contact as a “complete accident.”
- The league released a statement condemning all forms of hate and said its security team has been in contact with the Phoenix Mercury to help protect players.
- Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White publicly condemned the online vitriol as “absolutely unacceptable” and urged the league and fans to stop the abusive behavior.
- The episode has widened into a debate over inconsistent real-time officiating, the use of postgame review to upgrade fouls, the amplified scrutiny surrounding Caitlin Clark, and the spread of viral misinformation such as a debunked fake lawsuit claim.