...
By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Several days ago, the WNBA issued a Flagrant Foul 2 and a suspension for the Phoenix Mercury's Alyssa Thomas after reviewing her "reckless contact" with Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark.
Thomas served her suspension on Saturday, with her team still able to achieve a gutsy 89-80 win against the Toronto Tempo. Kahleah Copper led Phoenix with 27 points on 10 of 15 shooting, with reserve forward Valeriane Ayayi adding another 20 points off the bench.
However, discussion of Thomas's suspension and the WNBA's officiating issues continued as the narrative, with the Mercury's Copper weighing in on the situation.
Read More on Sports
"We’re with AT. We just wish it would have been handled the right way. We wish somebody also called her and checked on her and made sure that she was okay. I don't think it played out how it should have professionally," Copper said, per Dylan Kane.
More news: Dream Coach Calls Out WNBA Officials Over Angel Reese Disrespect After Loss
...
The controversial play occurred during this past week's meeting between the Mercury and the Fever. In one play, Clark fell onto the court with the ball, and several Mercury players, including Thomas, went after her to try to get the ball.
Clark, still on her back on the court, managed to toss the ball over to an open Fever teammate. As Thomas started to get up, she pushed her fist into Clark's neck and throat region. Once Thomas stood up, she stepped over Clark, who was still down on the court.
No foul was called on Thomas for the incident, which led to backlash from Fever head coach Stephanie White, critical fans online, and then various sports personalities, analysts, and athletes calling for the WNBA to address the issue. After a review, the league announced it issued a Flagrant Foul 2 and one-game suspension for Thomas.
Despite that, there is still plenty of outrage over the handling of this situation, and the Phoenix Mercury are taking an interesting approach to the matter in showing support for their player. In addition to Copper's comments, head coach Nate Tibbetts also indicated that Thomas has the Phoenix Mercury's full support and expressed disappointment in the league's handling of the investigation.
"I'd like to hit on my disappointment in the suspension process by our league and our leaders in the W. This was not a thorough investigation, in my opinion. The people involved were not questioned at all. It's extremely disappointing no one from the league called AT, our security team, or myself about what we felt like happened in this situation. There is a protocol to be followed ... and that was not done in this situation," Tibbetts said, per Toni Canyameras.
He also said he agreed that the goal should remain to clean up the WNBA's game and have consistency in foul calls.
More news: Stephanie White Says ‘No Indication’ on Caitlin Clark Return Timeline
For more about the WNBA, head over to Newsweek Sports.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines