Alyssa Thomas will be watching the Phoenix Mercury's next game, not playing in it, ESPN reports. The WNBA on Thursday hit the veteran forward with a flagrant foul 2 penalty and automatic one-game suspension for what it called "recklessly" striking Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark in the throat during Wednesday's 111-109 Mercury win.
The league said Thomas committed a "non-basketball act" with 6:52 left in the second quarter, when a scramble for a loose ball ended with Thomas appearing to drive her fist into Clark's neck, then stepping over her. No foul was called at the time; Fever coach Stephanie White said officials told her they didn't see it. White blasted the sequence as "absolutely egregious," "dangerous," and a "cheap shot," adding that Clark isn't officiated like other players. The Fever issued a statement stressing player safety and welcoming the league's review. The league is allowed to upgrade a non-call to a flagrant foul after a review, which is what happened in this case, USA Today reports. The league office is allowed to issue suspensions.
Clark exited in the third quarter with a back issue, though White said it wasn't clear which play caused it. Thomas, in her 13th WNBA season, will serve the first suspension of her career Saturday when Phoenix faces the Toronto Tempo. Bleacher Report notes it will put the 6-13 team in a tough position as they face the 8-9 Tempo.
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