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WNBA Suspends Alyssa Thomas One Game, Fines $1K

7/3/2026

47 11 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

WNBA suspended Phoenix forward Alyssa Thomas for one game, fined $1,000, upgraded the incident to a Flagrant 2 foul on June 25, and she served the suspension on June 27 versus Toronto Tempo.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert condemned the online hate and death threats aimed at Thomas.
Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White called the play a cheap shot, criticized the slow response, and urged fans not to use the WNBA for divisive agendas.

History

Historical Context

On Nov 19, 2004, Pacers forward Ron Artest fouled Pistons center Ben Wallace, triggering a brawl that moved from the court to the stands at The Palace in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Commissioner David Stern then suspended Artest for 86 games—the longest on-court ban—and fined the league $5 million, leading to stricter security and conduct rules that still guide league responses to violence and online harassment.

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Story summary

WNBA suspended Phoenix forward Alyssa Thomas for one game, fined $1,000, upgraded the incident to a Flagrant 2 foul on June 25, and she served the suspension on June 27 versus Toronto Tempo.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert condemned the online hate and death threats aimed at Thomas.
Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White called the play a cheap shot, criticized the slow response, and urged fans not to use the WNBA for divisive agendas.

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