League: WNBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Nate Tibbetts criticizes WNBA for Alyssa Thomas suspension process

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 27, 2026, 10:00 PM

Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Nate Tibbetts criticizes WNBA for Alyssa Thomas suspension process

Summary

Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts spoke out against the WNBA's suspension process following Alyssa Thomas' one-game suspension. Thomas received the suspension after being retroactively assessed a Flagrant 2 foul for contact with Caitlin Clark during a game on Wednesday. Tibbetts expressed disappointment, stating that a thorough investigation was not conducted and that key individuals were not questioned. He defended Thomas, calling her a competitor and critiqued the perceptions of the incident. The situation highlights ongoing debates within the league about player safety and officiating practices.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Alyssa Thomas suspended for striking Caitlin Clark during a game
•Nate Tibbetts claims investigation lacked thoroughness
•Thomas is fully supported by the Phoenix Mercury organization
•Stephanie White called Thomas' actions 'egregious and utterly disrespectful'
•The incident raises questions about consistency in officiating

Latest Updates

5:35 PMYahoo Sports — Mercury coach disappointed by WNBA's Alyssa Thomas suspension process
10:57 PMYahoo Sports — “Don’t Rely On Social Media Screenshots”: Mercury Coach Nate Tibbetts Slams WNBA’s Alyssa Thomas Suspension Process After Caitlin Clark Incident
10:00 PMYahoo Sports — Nate Tibbetts questions WNBA’s suspension process around Alyssa Thomas: ‘This was not a thorough investigation’

What they're saying

"
There is very little the WNBA seems to do that appeases everyone these days, and the situation surrounding Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas’ suspension following an incident with Caitlin Clark is a perfect example. Thomas will miss Saturday’s game as part of a one-game suspension for what the league called “recklessly making contact with her…
— Yahoo Sports

"
Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts is not pleased with how he came to learn of Alyssa Thomas’s one-game suspension on Thursday. Thomas was suspended for “recklessly making contact with her fist to the throat area” of Caitlin Clark during the team’s 111-109 win over the Indiana Fever on Wednesday.
— Yahoo Sports