Story perspectives

Doctor Flags Airway Danger for Clark After Throat Punch

7/2/2026

Summary

DiNubile Warns Clark

Dr. Nicholas DiNubile warned that star Caitlin Clark faces airway risk after a throat punch by Alyssa Thomas.
He said to twenty pounds of pressure can crush the larynx and noted Fox News logged thirteen contacts with Clark in her 2024 rookie season, citing facial hits and ruptured eardrum.
DiNubile urged the league to call flagrant fouls and improve officiating while Cathy Engelbert defended Thomas and Stephenie White condemned toxicity.

Summary

Engelbert Condemns Harassment

Engelbert condemned online harassment of Thomas but did not denounce Clark’s throat-fist foul.
Thomas said she received death threats after the June 24 incident and called them unacceptable.
Brennan said Clark’s popularity boosted league revenue, enabled charter flights and gave the NBPA leverage for higher pay in the 2026 CBA.
Observers urged the league to condemn both the abuse and the dangerous play.

Summary

Mercury Challenges Suspension

The Phoenix Mercury will play the Indiana Fever on July 9 in Phoenix, reviving the June 24 incident.
Coach Nate Tibbetts said league investigation was insufficient because the WNBA did not seek the Mercury’s view before suspending Tyasha Thomas, who missed the June 30 game while serving the suspension.
Security chief Engelbert is working with the Mercury to protect players after threats and exchanged texts with Thomas to coordinate the league’s response.

History

Historical Context

In November 2004 the Pacers-Pistons “Malice at the Palace” brawl led the NBA to impose an 86-game suspension on Ron Artest and tighten arena security. A similar WNBA fight at the same venue in July 2008 (Sparks vs. Shock) reinforced league concerns about player-fan violence. The 2024 throat-punch on rookie Caitlin Clark revives those reforms, prompting calls for harsher penalties and safety reviews.

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DiNubile Warns Clark

Dr. Nicholas DiNubile warned that star Caitlin Clark faces airway risk after a throat punch by Alyssa Thomas.
He said to twenty pounds of pressure can crush the larynx and noted Fox News logged thirteen contacts with Clark in her 2024 rookie season, citing facial hits and ruptured eardrum.
DiNubile urged the league to call flagrant fouls and improve officiating while Cathy Engelbert defended Thomas and Stephenie White condemned toxicity.

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