The incident between the Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas and the Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has become one of the most infamous moments of the WNBA season so far. According to a recent report, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver even stepped in, swaying WNBA chief Cathy Engelbert toward handing down a punishment.

During the Mercury and Indiana game on June 24, which the Mercury won 111-109, Thomas fouled Clark, after which she was given a Flagrant Foul 2 penalty and a one-game suspension. However, sources from Sports Business Journal suggest Engelbert was not going to give the punishment at first.

"WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert was not planning to suspend Alyssa Thomas for burying a fist into Caitlin Clark’s throat three weeks ago until NBA Commissioner Adam Silver implored her to reverse course and issue the discipline," sources told SBJ, per the website's reporter Tom Friend.

The sources said that Silver also saw the incident and thought that it was a flagrant foul as well, persuading Engelbert to take action.

SBJ's Tom Friend wrote how Engelbert has been trying not to favor Clark amid her popularity and to show support to players who believe they are being "overshadowed by Clark."

The incident happened in the second quarter with 6:52 left, when Clark fell in the paint after contact with Phoenix's Lexie Held.

Thomas then pounced on her for the ball, pushed her fist to Clark's throat area, and stepped over her while standing up. The foul was not given during the game, but was confirmed after the WNBA reviewed it after the game.

It ultimately proved costly for Thomas, resulting in a retroactive Flagrant 2 penalty, a $1,000 fine, and a single-game suspension.

Thomas, though, revealed how she received threats after the incident, which prompted Engelbert to comment on players' safety in the league, ensuring that the league security team had contacted Phoenix regarding Thomas' safety.

But Engelbert has lately been under scrutiny for not answering "tough" questions about the league.

Cathy Engelbert snubbed an interview with a veteran radio personality

The Dan Patrick Show's executive producer, Todd Fritz, and Engelbert met at a premier golf event in Tahoe at the American Century Championship. Fritz asked Engelbert to be part of the show, to which she accepted at first.

However, Engelbert later refused to come for the scheduled interview, stating that her PR team rejected the idea of her appearing on Patrick's show. This also prompted a comment from Patrick himself, being posted on X as well.

"I mean, if you want to be treated as a serious league, then do these (interviews)," Patrick said on July 10. "This is what happens, these are tough questions, but this is a fair outlet for you, a fair platform. I will treat you with respect."

While Engelbert avoided the interview, she was seen practicing golf shots nearby. Patrick's team waited nearly two hours before she informed them of her absence.

As per SBJ, Engelbert's decision was influenced by Silver's words. Also, avoiding questions about players' safety, Clark, and WNBA officiating will further hinder her position as the league's commissioner.

Did Adam Silver make the right call in stepping in, or should WNBA officiating stay independent? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Dhruv Singh

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore