sports
WNBA player suspended after throat contact receives death threats
Alyssa Thomas said she received death threats and racial slurs after a one-game suspension for contact with another player. The league commissioner condemned the threats but has not commented on player safety concerns raised by Thomas.
Jun 30, 11:09 PM·1m read6 sources
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Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas said she has received death threats and racial slurs after her one-game suspension for making contact with her fist to another player’s throat during last week’s game. Thomas told reporters on Tuesday that the threats are unacceptable and that the league must improve player safety measures.
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Suspension and league response The league issued the suspension after reviewing video and classifying the contact as a flagrant foul 2, a non-basketball act. Officials did not call a foul during the game. Thomas described the contact as a complete accident and said she learned of the suspension only ten minutes before it was announced on social media.
Commissioner statement League commissioner Cathy Engelbert released a statement Tuesday night condemning hate and confirming the league’s security team is in contact with the Mercury organization. >"The WNBA vehemently condemns any and all forms of hate.
" — Cathy Engelbert, Tuesday night statement Thomas said the commissioner has not addressed the threats directly.
Prior incidents and upcoming schedule The two teams had met days earlier, when six technical fouls and one ejection were called. The Mercury served the suspension during a game on Saturday. The teams are scheduled to play again on 9 July.
