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Silver Pushes WNBA Boss to Suspend Thomas Over Clark Incident
15 Jul
Summary
- NBA Commissioner urged WNBA to suspend player for throat incident.
- Player received a Flagrant Foul 2 and one-game ban.
- Commissioner praised WNBA's progress under current leadership.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver reportedly pressed WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to suspend Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas after an on-court incident involving Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark. The event, which occurred on June 24, saw Thomas make contact with Clark’s throat area.
Although initially not called a foul during the game, Thomas was subsequently penalized with a Flagrant Foul 2 and a one-game suspension, along with a $1,000 fine. Reports indicate Silver believed there was sufficient evidence of a flagrant foul and felt compelled to advocate for disciplinary action.
Silver publicly commended Engelbert's performance, highlighting the WNBA's significant progress under her leadership since 2019. This praise comes despite recent criticism directed at Engelbert, including the cancellation of a scheduled interview.
The WNBA has the authority to review and reclassify fouls not initially called during games, with the option to impose fines and suspensions. Silver's intervention underscores the gravity with which such incidents are viewed at the league level.
