WNBA suspends Alyssa Thomas for 1 game over hit to Caitlin Clark's throat

The WNBA has suspended Phoenix Mercury player Alyssa Thomas for one game following an incident where she made contact with Caitlin Clark's throat during a game against the Indiana Fever. The league reviewed the play and upgraded it to a Flagrant Foul 2 penalty, classifying it as a non-basketball act, despite no foul being called by officials at the time.

The incident occurred with 6:52 remaining in the second quarter. Thomas will serve her suspension during the Mercury's upcoming game against the Toronto Tempo. This is not the first time the league has upgraded a foul involving Clark; last season, Marina Mabrey received a technical foul that was later upgraded to a Flagrant 2.

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It was egregious. The fact that it was a no-call … You got to call it.

Following the game, Fever coach Stephanie White expressed strong disapproval, calling the act "egregious" and "absolutely unacceptable." The Fever organization reiterated its commitment to player safety in a statement, appreciating the WNBA's review and action. The team's focus remains on Clark and preparing for their next game against the Los Angeles Sparks.

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Player safety should be paramount in our league. We appreciate the WNBA's review of last night's incident and the action taken. Right now our focus is on Caitlin and our entire team as we prepare for Saturday.