WNBA Star Alyssa Thomas Faces Harassment After Caitlin Clark Foul
Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White has spoken out against the online harassment that Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas has been receiving since the incident involving Caitlin Clark last week.
White, who coached Thomas in Connecticut for two seasons, expressed her strong disapproval of the hate Thomas has been receiving, calling it ‘absolutely unacceptable.’
‘I think as a league, as a whole, there’s been so much more toxicity, racism, homophobia, straight-out nonsense, hate nonsense. And it is absolutely unacceptable,’ White said on Wednesday. ‘Most of it is coming from the online community. Most of this, in my heart of hearts, I believe, [is] not coming from WNBA fans, Indiana Fever fans. I believe that this is people who are using our league, using our players to further divisive agendas.’
The incident in question occurred on June 24 when Thomas’ hand made contact with Clark’s throat during the first half of their game. Although Thomas said she didn’t intentionally make contact with Clark’s throat, she still accepted the punishment. However, Thomas shared on Tuesday that she and her teammates have been receiving a lot of harassment and even death threats since the incident.
‘It’s not hard to not be a jerk. And if you are one of these people that are online doing this, do not call yourself a WNBA fan,’ White said. ‘Our league is about inclusiveness. Our league is about competition. Our league is about elevating, elevating women, elevating marginalized communities and being inclusive of all different walks of life. That is what our league has been about from day one. That is what our league will continue to be about.’
White emphasized the importance of protecting players from harassment and ensuring that they feel safe and supported within the league. She also highlighted the need for fans to be more mindful of their behavior and to refrain from using the league and its players to further divisive agendas.
The WNBA has released a statement condemning ‘any and all forms of hate’ and expressing support for Thomas and her teammates. ‘The safety and well-being of everyone in our community is always the league’s top priority,’ the statement read. ‘We are aware of Alyssa Thomas’ comments, and what she and her teammates have experienced is completely unacceptable and not representative of the WNBA community.’
Alyssa Thomas’ Response to Harassment
Thomas served her suspension while the Mercury played the Toronto Tempo on Saturday. She will be back on the court this Thursday as her team hosts the Seattle Storm. Meanwhile, the Fever will hit the road to take on the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday. Clark’s status for that game is still unknown.
White’s comments come as a response to Thomas’ own statements about the harassment she and her teammates have faced. ‘It’s not just about me,’ Thomas said. ‘It’s about the people who are coming for me, who are coming for my teammates, who are coming for our families.’
Thomas’ comments have sparked a wider conversation about the need for greater support and protection for players within the league. The incident has also highlighted the importance of addressing online harassment and promoting a culture of inclusivity and respect within the WNBA.
As the league continues to navigate these complex issues, it is clear that the safety and well-being of its players will remain a top priority.
Ultimately, White’s message is one of hope and resilience. ‘We will continue to compete at a high level and hold ourselves to a higher standard, continue to be on the forefront of social norms and we will continue to support one another collectively as a league. Players, coaches, staff, support staff, everyone. We are about elevating. We are not about demeaning, demanding. We are not about continuing this narrative. It’s just absolutely unacceptable.’
