WNBA Player Alyssa Thomas Receives Death Threats

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Alyssa Thomas of the Connecticut Sun was suspended for one game following an on-court incident where she struck Iowa’s Caitlin Clark in the throat with a closed fist. The suspension has led to racial abuse against Thomas, prompting her to call for stronger league action to protect players from harassment and threats.

Alyssa Thomas, forward for the Connecticut Sun, has reported receiving death threats and racial slurs following her recent suspension in a WNBA game. The one-game suspension came after an incident in which Thomas made contact with Iowa’s Caitlin Clark by striking her throat with a closed fist during last week’s matchup against the Indiana Fever.

Speaking to reporters at the team’s practice facility, Thomas expressed frustration with the league’s handling of the situation and criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert for what she described as insufficient action to safeguard players from harassment and threats. Thomas emphasized the toll the backlash has taken on her and urged the league to take a stronger stance on protecting athletes.

The league suspended Thomas for one game after reviewing the incident, citing the physical nature of the contact as a violation of WNBA rules. The suspension has sparked debate among players, fans, and analysts regarding the league’s disciplinary measures and player conduct policies.

Commissioner Engelbert has not publicly commented on Thomas’s accusations regarding player protection at this time. The WNBA continues to monitor the situation as it unfolds, emphasizing commitment to the safety and well-being of all athletes in the league.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.