Nate Tibbetts defends Alyssa Thomas amid suspension controversy
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 27, 2026, 6:37 PM
Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Phoenix Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts expressed support for Alyssa Thomas, who is serving a one-game suspension after an incident involving Caitlin Clark during a recent game against the Indiana Fever. Thomas was penalized for recklessly making contact with Clark's throat, despite no foul being called during the match. Following the game, Fever coach Stephanie White criticized Thomas' actions and described them as 'egregious.' Tibbetts questioned the WNBA's suspension process, asserting it lacked thoroughness and consistency. The Mercury are preparing for a matchup against the Toronto Tempo without Thomas, who remains sidelined due to the suspension.
- •Alyssa Thomas suspended for one game after incident with Caitlin Clark.
- •Nate Tibbetts criticized WNBA's investigation process.
- •Stephanie White called Thomas' actions 'egregious.'
- •Thomas will not play against Toronto Tempo.
- •Upcoming matchup affects team's strategy without Thomas.
- 7:40 PMYahoo Sports — Mercury coach says Alyssa Thomas incident with Caitlin Clark wasn’t a ‘cheap shot’
- 6:37 PMCBS Sports — Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts calls out WNBA, defends Alyssa Thomas after Caitlin Clark controversy
"Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts said Alyssa Thomas' incident with Caitlin Clark wasn't a cheap shot. He said the WNBA's investigation was not thorough.
"Tibbetts was also quick to respond to Fever coach Stephanie White's 'cheap shot' accusations
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 27, 2026, 7:40 PMMercury coach says Alyssa Thomas incident with Caitlin Clark wasn’t a ‘cheap shot’
Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts said Alyssa Thomas' incident with Caitlin Clark wasn't a cheap shot. He said the WNBA's investigation was not thorough.
- CBS SportsJun 27, 2026, 6:37 PMMercury coach Nate Tibbetts calls out WNBA, defends Alyssa Thomas after Caitlin Clark controversy
Tibbetts was also quick to respond to Fever coach Stephanie White's 'cheap shot' accusations
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