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WNBA Suspends Alyssa Thomas One Game, $1K Fine

6/28/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The WNBA suspended Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas for one game on June 25 after a Flagrant-2 foul on June 24.
The league also fined Thomas $1,000.
Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts said the investigation was not thorough and no one was questioned.
Fever coach Stephanie White called the contact a cheap shot, said officials should have called a foul, and noted Thomas will miss the June 27 game versus Toronto, returning on July 2.

History

Historical Context

Congress enacted Title IX on June 23 1972, banning sex discrimination in any federally funded education program. The law’s enforcement by the Department of Education expanded women’s college athletics, paving the way for professional leagues such as the WNBA. In 2024 the league disciplined Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas with a one-game suspension and a $1,000 fine, echoing Title IX’s accountability legacy.

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Story summary

The WNBA suspended Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas for one game on June 25 after a Flagrant-2 foul on June 24.
The league also fined Thomas $1,000.
Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts said the investigation was not thorough and no one was questioned.
Fever coach Stephanie White called the contact a cheap shot, said officials should have called a foul, and noted Thomas will miss the June 27 game versus Toronto, returning on July 2.

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