Alyssa Thomas receives suspension for hitting Caitlin Clark during game
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 29, 2026, 10:58 AM
Last updated Jun 29, 2026
Alyssa Thomas of the Phoenix Mercury has been suspended for one game and fined $1,000 due to a punch thrown at Caitlin Clark during Wednesday's match against the Indiana Fever. The WNBA classified the incident as a 'non-basketball act,' upgrading the infraction to a Flagrant Foul 2 after reviewing the game footage. Comments from former WNBA All-Star Chiney Ogwumike sparked debate, suggesting the league's reaction was based on public perception rather than the act itself. Ogwumike's statements drew considerable backlash, with critics arguing that they failed to address the severity of Thomas's actions. The league's assessment cited reckless conduct that resulted in contact with Clark's throat.
- •Thomas punched Clark in the throat during a game on Wednesday.
- •The WNBA suspended Thomas and fined her $1,000 for the incident.
- •Ogwumike suggested the suspension was influenced by optics rather than severity.
- •The WNBA classified the foul as a Flagrant Foul 2 after a review.
- •Reactions to Ogwumike's comments highlighted ongoing concerns about player safety.
- 11:10 AMYahoo Sports — “WNBA Would Be Better Without Caitlin Clark”: Ex-NFLer & Former FOX Analyst Makes Big Claim Amid Outrage Against Alyssa Thomas
- 10:58 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Stop Gaslighting People ‘ – 2-Time WNBA All-Star Under Fire for Controversial Caitlin Clark-Alyssa Thomas Take
"The WNBA handed a one-game suspension and a $1,000 fine to Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas for hitting Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark during their game on Wednesday. After severe backlash, the league reviewed the game and announced the penalty on Thursday.
"It’s not a good time to be an Alyssa Thomas fan now. The Phoenix Mercury star served her one-game suspension yesterday vs the Toronto Tempo, after sparking a massive controversy for landing her fist on Caitlin Clark’s neck.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 29, 2026, 11:10 AM“WNBA Would Be Better Without Caitlin Clark”: Ex-NFLer & Former FOX Analyst Makes Big Claim Amid Outrage Against Alyssa Thomas
It’s not a good time to be an Alyssa Thomas fan now. The Phoenix Mercury star served her one-game suspension yesterday vs the Toronto Tempo, after sparking a massive controversy for landing her fist on Caitlin Clark’s neck.
- Yahoo SportsJun 29, 2026, 10:58 AM‘Stop Gaslighting People ‘ – 2-Time WNBA All-Star Under Fire for Controversial Caitlin Clark-Alyssa Thomas Take
The WNBA handed a one-game suspension and a $1,000 fine to Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas for hitting Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark during their game on Wednesday. After severe backlash, the league reviewed the game and announced the penalty on Thursday.
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