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 Pearland
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, Pearland residents should be aware of the impact that online harassment can have on players and their families. The fact that Thomas received death threats and racial slurs is a stark reminder that the consequences of such incidents can extend far beyond the court. The WNBA's commitment to protecting its players is a step in the right direction, but it also highlights the need for local communities to promote a culture of respect and inclusivity for all athletes, regardless of the sport or level of competition. As the situation continues to unfold, it will be important to watch how local sports organizations and community leaders respond to the issue of online abuse and player safety.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Pearland 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
Get more The Pearland stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering government and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
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 Pearland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More government →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter