Full Breakdown
Nate Tibbetts Defends Alyssa Thomas Amid WNBA Suspension Controversy
6/28/2026, 1:09:08 AM
The Incident and Suspension
On June 24, during a Phoenix-Indiana game, Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas struck rookie Caitlin Clark in the throat with a closed fist while contesting a loose ball. Officials made no call. After review, the WNBA upgraded the play to a Flagrant-2, fined Thomas $1,000 and suspended her one game, causing her to miss the June 27 matchup with Toronto.
Context and Stakeholders
Thomas, a two-time All-Star, has previously played under Fever coach Stephanie White on the Connecticut Sun. Clark, the league’s top rookie, left the June 24 game with a back injury and is out indefinitely. The incident has intensified debate over player safety and officiating in the WNBA.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Nate Tibbetts defended Thomas, calling her a competitor and rejecting the “cheap shot” label. He said the league’s investigation was “not thorough” and that neither Thomas nor league officials were interviewed. Fever coach Stephanie White called the contact “egregious” and urged the league to prioritize player safety. The WNBA announced the suspension and fine as a response to the flagrant foul.
Criticism & Calls for Consistency
White and Fever president Kelly Krauskopf demanded consistent officiating, noting similar incidents have not been penalized equally. Tibbetts echoed the call, urging the league not to base discipline on “generational talent, fan-base involvement, All-Star status, or race” and to apply a uniform standard.
Conflicting Accounts & Gaps
Officials did not call a foul during the game, yet the league later classified the contact as flagrant. Tibbetts said the league did not interview any parties, while the WNBA’s review process typically includes reviewing the play. No record confirms whether the league consulted Fever security or Clark.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Mercury organization would like to let AT know that she’s 100% supported by us,” — Nate Tibbetts, Phoenix Mercury head coach
- “To say that we had two cheap shots in that game to me is ridiculous,” — Nate Tibbetts
- “It was egregious. The fact that it was a no-call … You got to call it,” — Stephanie White, Indiana Fever head coach
- “Player safety should be paramount in our league.” — Kelly Krauskopf, Indiana Fever president
What’s Next
Thomas will miss the Toronto game, leaving Phoenix with nine players, and can return on July 2 against Seattle. The league’s handling of the incident is expected to influence future disciplinary and officiating policies.
