government
Mercury's Thomas says she has received online abuse following suspension for Caitlin Clark incident
By Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· 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 The San Antonio
The situation with Alyssa Thomas and the WNBA highlights the need for stronger protections for athletes in San Antonio and beyond. As a community that values its sports teams and events, it's crucial that we recognize the impact of online abuse on players' well-being. The fact that Thomas received death threats and racial slurs after a suspension is unacceptable and demonstrates the darker side of fandom. San Antonio's own athletes, whether in professional or amateur leagues, deserve to feel safe and supported, both on and off the court. The WNBA's response, while condemning the hate, also underscores the league's responsibility to ensure player safety extends beyond the playing field. As San Antonio continues to grow as a sports hub, it's essential that local teams, leagues, and organizations prioritize athlete protection and work to create a culture of respect and inclusivity.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio 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 KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
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 KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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