Player safety in the WNBA has come under scrutiny after Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas alleged the league ignored threats directed at her following her foul on Caitlin Clark.

On Tuesday, Thomas publicly called out WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert for remaining silent, saying she and her teammates were being treated as “thugs” and that their lives were being threatened. Engelbert later responded via an X post reported by ESPN’s Alexa Philippou, condemning the abuse and pledging league support.

"The WNBA vehemently condemns any and all forms of hate," Engelbert wrote. "The safety and well-being of everyone in our community is always the league’s top priority."

"We are aware of Alyssa Thomas’ comments, and what she and her teammates have experienced is completely unacceptable and not representative of the WNBA community. The league and our security team have been in contact with the Phoenix Mercury organization and remain committed to protecting all players."

The statement marked Engelbert’s first public acknowledgment of the threats Thomas had endured, and she confirmed that league security was coordinating with Phoenix Mercury officials.

According to an ESPN report, Engelbert and Thomas later exchanged texts, with Engelbert directing the league security to have a discussion with Phoenix security as well.

What Sparked The Backlash: The June 24 Foul And Its Aftermath

The play that caused this ruckus took place on June 24, when Clark went down in the paint, and Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner jumped on Clark to snatch the ball.

But during Thomas's attempt to stand up, she caught Clark with her fist around Clark's throat, and then stepped over her as she went back to play. The incident occurred in the second quarter, with 6:52 remaining.

Thomas then received a Flagrant Foul 2 penalty and a one-game suspension for "recklessly making contact with her fist to the throat area" by the WNBA.

The league also termed this a "non-basketball act."

But days after the incident, Thomas went on to say how she and her team were being treated and how the fans went after them on social media.

She also called out Engelbert for not responding at the time.

With Engelbert’s response now public, the focus shifts to whether the league will follow through with stronger security measures. The Mercury play the Seattle Storm on July 2, and Thomas and her teammates will expect visible protections in place.

Read More at Her Sports Nation!

Written by

Dhruv Singh

Edited by

Koushik Biswas