government
Mercury's Thomas says she has received online abuse following suspension for Caitlin Clark incident
By Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 30, 2026
· 4 min read
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas said she has received death threats and been called racial slurs in the aftermath of her one-game suspension after she made contact with her fist to Caitlin Clark’s throat in last week's matchup against Indiana.Thomas also criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy E...
Key takeaway Thomas also criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert for not doing more to protect the league's players when she spoke with reporters on Tuesday at the team's practice facility.
Why this matters in The Piney Point
The incident involving Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas and the subsequent online abuse she faced raises concerns about the safety and well-being of athletes in the Houston area, where the WNBA has a significant following. As a community that values its sports teams and athletes, Piney Point Village residents should be aware of the impact of online harassment on players' lives. The fact that Thomas received death threats and racial slurs after the incident is a disturbing reminder of the darker side of sports fandom. The WNBA's commitment to protecting its players is commendable, but it also highlights the need for local communities to promote a culture of respect and civility towards athletes, both on and off the court. As the WNBA season continues, fans in Piney Point Village and surrounding areas should reflect on the importance of maintaining a positive and supportive environment for all athletes, regardless of the team they represent.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Piney Point surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas said she has received death threats and been called racial slurs in the aftermath of her one-game suspension after she made contact with her fist to Caitlin Clark’s throat in last week's matchup against Indiana.Thomas also criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy E...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Piney Point readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Piney Point selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Piney Point, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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