government
Mercury's Thomas says she has received online abuse following suspension for Caitlin Clark incident
By Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / 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 Magnolia News
The situation involving Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas has implications for the local community in Magnolia , where many residents take pride in supporting women's sports and promoting a positive environment for athletes. As the WNBA works to address the online abuse and safety concerns faced by Thomas and her teammates, local fans and community leaders may be prompted to reflect on their own role in fostering a respectful and inclusive atmosphere at sporting events. The fact that Thomas received death threats and racial slurs after a single incident on the court raises questions about the level of discourse and civility in online forums and social media platforms used by local sports enthusiasts. As the WNBA and its players continue to navigate these issues, Magnolia residents may consider ways to promote greater empathy and understanding in their own community, particularly in the context of supporting local athletes and teams.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia 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 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / 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 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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