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New Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas is introduced at a news conference at the Phoenix Mercury's practice facility on Feb. 25, 2025. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
PHOENIX – Alyssa Thomas let her frustrations out by calling out the WNBA and the Commissioner after how they handled her suspension after practice on Thursday.
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Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) scrambles to get up over Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Phoenix Mercury defeated the Indiana Fever, 111-109. © Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The debate surrounding Alyssa Thomas and Caitlin Clark has become much bigger than a single play. The WNBA ultimately suspended Thomas one game after reviewing contact to Clark’s throat that officials had missed during the game. But Thomas’ strongest criticism wasn’t about the punishment itself; it was about the process. “I didn’t even know I was being suspended until 10 minutes before it was all over social media,” per PHNX Mercury.
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May 12, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) with head coach Nate Tibbetts against the Minnesota Lynx at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Alyssa Thomas talks about one-game suspension:
That statement should concern everyone invested in the league. Professional sports thrive on accountability, but accountability loses credibility when players believe communication is an afterthought. None of this erases the seriousness of the play involving Clark. The league has every right, and responsibility, to protect its stars and penalize dangerous actions. Clark’s growing popularity means every physical incident receives national attention, making consistency in officiating and discipline more important than ever. But protecting players also means protecting the integrity of the disciplinary process.
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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) falls in the lane as Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) eyes the ball Wednesday, June 24, 2026, during the first half of a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. © Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
For Phoenix fans, this became another example of a franchise feeling it wasn’t given a voice. For WNBA fans nationally, it raises a broader question of whether the league balances player safety with procedural fairness. The answer will influence future incidents just as much as any suspension. Successful leagues are built on trust, and if the WNBA wants players to respect its decisions, transparency has to start somewhere.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
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