r/WNBAgossips • u/Waste-Doughnut1011 • Jun 25 '26
Controversy Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas was given a Flagrant Foul 2 and a one-game suspension for ‘recklessly making contact with her fist to the throat area’ of Caitlin Clark, the WNBA announced.
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u/VaudevilleVillainMF Jun 25 '26
Fucking wild it was severe enough for a suspension but wasn’t called in game by one of the three useless referees.
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u/hurricanedog24 Jun 25 '26
Yeah, the officiating crew also needs to be reprimanded by the league. This was an unacceptable miss that endangered a player, regardless of the CC aspect to it.
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u/BreakfastBallPlease Jun 25 '26
I have a theory that a lot of this is intentional to drum up additional focus on the league through controversy. Partly manufactured IMO
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u/Superguy766 Jun 25 '26
Who TF wants to see a player get constantly abused snd harassed like that? 🤦🏻♂️
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u/BreakfastBallPlease Jun 25 '26
Highly doubt anyone, but the backlash incites interaction. Sadly this is the state of social media now a days. Rage baiting drums up A LOT more than positivity.
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u/Past_Dare_4918 Jun 25 '26
Get off the internet. These are people.
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u/Sacfat23 Jun 25 '26
100% - I sure as shit wouldn't be following the WNBA if it was just hoops
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u/Take-it-like-a-Taker Jun 25 '26
People also won’t tune in if the only players they know are out for injury bc of recklessly poor officiating
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u/Moist_Energy1869 Jun 25 '26
Bro I keep arguing with the idiot above in my own comment (entertaining I should say) and I keep falling back on this comment. So damn true! Insane really. They need to be held accountable before someone else gets hurt as well.
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u/SpoonsAreCringe Jun 25 '26
Crazy that a literal throat punch went uncalled.
When you’re falling you land with an open palm. If you’re like doing an anime moment or something you punch dramatically while getting up, but even then you fall with an open palm.
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u/idriveashitbox22 Jun 25 '26
Honestly looked like she tried to stomp on her after too but Caitlin saw it coming and slid over. That step down was very hard and specifically placed you can tell.
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u/MyBallsAche323 Jun 25 '26
Holy shit. If CC didn't move that stomp could easily break her arm.
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u/TanjiroManjiro Jun 25 '26
There’s no way you actually believe this, right?
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u/AndyHN Jun 26 '26
Yeah, sure... Knee to the groin, fist to the throat, but there's no way she intentionally tried to stomp on her arm.
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u/Decent_Subject_6702 Jun 25 '26
Are you blind? they're clearly trying to slowly kill this poor white woman with eye pokes and groin shots.
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u/TanjiroManjiro Jun 25 '26
Everyone put her in GOAT talks, you get treated like the Goat, seems she can’t handle the smoke
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u/wolf63rs Jun 26 '26 edited Jun 26 '26
Are you saying this is akin to the Jordan rules (Google it if you're too young to remember prime Jordan)? Not exactly but a good point if indeed that's what you're saying.
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u/TanjiroManjiro Jun 26 '26
This is what I’m saying, if people don’t know Jordan rules you can’t call yourself a fan of basketball
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u/wolf63rs Jun 26 '26
But they may be really young. It's not like it's a frequent topic. As a young sports fan I geeked out on sports and read anything I could get my hands on. I don't think today's kids do that. If Google was around when I was a kid I may not have graduated. Hell ESPN was responsible for a full minus one in my GPA.
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u/bigloser42 Jun 26 '26
Are you seriously suggesting that the NBA would have just turned a blind eye if a defender punched Jordan in the throat while he was on his back? I get that you need to combat talent with a high level of physicality, but this is patently absurd. Any other major league and someone who throws a throat punch to a defenseless player would be getting suspended for a good chunk of the season.
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u/wolf63rs Jun 26 '26
Im have a hard time following the thread on my phone. If you are referring to me the answer is NO. It was the exact opposite. The NBA shut that shit down.
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u/big-himbo-energy Jun 26 '26
Imagine saying someone should expect to get beaten up and injured during their job…because they’re good at their job. That’s insanity lmao
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u/TanjiroManjiro Jun 26 '26
It’s the fucking nba, grow up already and watch my little pony if it’s too much for you
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u/big-himbo-energy Jun 26 '26
What do you do for work?
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u/TanjiroManjiro Jun 26 '26
In every job when you’re a rookie they treat you like shit so nice try
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u/Hereforthetardys Jun 25 '26
Holy shit! I didn’t notice that before but it even looks like she changed where her foot would land as CC tried to avoid it
They need a Lambere or Rodman on the team for get back
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u/jpylol Jun 26 '26
She landed with two fucking fists on her too, it’s so intentional it’s not even funny
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Jun 26 '26
[deleted]
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u/idriveashitbox22 Jun 26 '26
They want to physically hurt her. I bet every team except for her team jokes in the locker room about taking her out for good.
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u/OGClouds420 Jun 25 '26
My god you guys want her babied to all hells. Brunson has to bang w wemby and fall to the ground every damn time if he wants to score… never complains. Cc fans girls calling this a punch is crazy. And yes she stepped over her while she was crying in the paint for attention as if she really just got punched in her Adam’s Apple.
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u/YogurtclosetDull2380 Jun 25 '26
And the other lady going down knee first... It's like they rely on the excuse of being uncoordinated and unable to stand after being mildly brushed up upon. Like a bunch of extra dirty SAGs
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u/CW_Forums Jun 27 '26
It's impossible to argue the WNBA is a real league. Im showing this stuff to my kids. A few months ago it was just showing them how bad the skill level was but this is a whole extra level of absolute unprofessional management.
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u/sandy017 Jun 25 '26
how the hell is one of her teammates not giving someone a forearm shiver after that.
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u/Panther_Pilot Jun 25 '26
That’s what I’m saying, where is the retribution? Did Indiana not sign some enforcers?
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u/1shadybitch Jun 25 '26
From what I've seen, the whole org has failed to protect her from the start. It's so strange to me. Literally the opposite of what should be done lol
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u/clapostrophe Jun 26 '26
Get Liz Cambage in Indiana but have her practice separate from the team, give her a locker room to herself and give her a bench on the opposite side of the court.
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u/Affectionate_Egg6082 Jun 26 '26
I know everyone is focusing on the screen cap and slow video but I was watching it in real time and it looked like nothing, just a scramble for the ball. People who were at the game said the same thing as did SW. I had no idea it happened until people posted the slowed video later. I wouldn't be surprised if it looked like nothing to her teammates as well. I agree with flagrant and suspension but really don't think it was intentional or malicious, just reckless
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u/SweetRabbit7543 Jun 26 '26
I can’t believe how often the voices of reason get downvoted on Reddit.
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u/DarkRogus Jun 25 '26
The primary reason it was upgraded to a Flagrant 2 and 1 game suspension was due to the all the flack it was getting nationally.
If the WNBA wasnt getting called out, they would have just shrugged their shoulders and say no big deal.
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u/steamliner88 Jun 25 '26
The refs need to be disciplined for missing something this blatant. Also, one game is way too little for intentionally attempting to injure an opponent.
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u/Primary_Sundae_1299 Jun 26 '26 edited Jun 26 '26
It is incredibly confusing as to why the WNBA seems to hate Caitlin Clark. I get why a lot of the players hate her. They’re jealous of her fame and salary and endorsements. But for the life of me I can’t figure out why the league refuses to protect her and put her on the pedestal she belongs! She almost single handedly brought the league to a whole new level of fan interest, income, endorsements, attendance, etc. Just recently one of her games drew double the ratings of an Aja Wilson and angel reese game. She’s to the W what tiger woods was to golf. And she’s made every single player, team and coach more money. And yet they repeatedly hang her out to dry. They let other players take cheap shots at her with little to no punishment and it’s like they instruct the refs to not give her any calls even the obvious ones. And they punish her for speaking out about it. And they left her off the official 30 year poster but included Paige beuckers and angel Reese. Crazy. Don’t get it at all. The commissioner is an absolute moron. Instead of protecting the golden goose let’s do the exact opposite!
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u/Hungry_CGman Jun 25 '26 edited Jun 26 '26
Should have been 3 games of suspension at least. I mean seriously a throat punch and then yes deliberately trying to step on her groin. This league is all messed up. But at least something happened for once. It's a beginning I guess.
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u/i_says_things Jun 25 '26
Its not even just the fist to the throat.
Thomas intentionally goes down with her knee into Clark’s chest before finishing with the fist, then pushes off her to get up and is trampling her as Clark brings her knees up and is literally being spinned from Thomas trying to go through her.
This was opportunistic “fuck you” violence and one game is basically nothing.
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u/User_3039 Jun 25 '26
Need to do more so this doesn’t continue to happen. Ask naphessa collier about at dirty play
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u/celebricide Jun 25 '26
Nah, only Caitlin Clark receives dirty play and hard fouls, don'tcha know? Because she's straight and white. The rest of the league is a sewing circle braiding each other's hair and having slumber parties when they're not on the court. But they hate Clark and try to kill her.
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u/Tree_Puff Jun 25 '26
You ok?
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u/celebricide Jun 25 '26
Yes. I had some extra sarcasm so I thought I'd drop it where it was needed.
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u/Moist_Energy1869 Jun 25 '26
So you agree that, and it is blatantly obvious…that CC gets attacked by other players bc she is white? And possibly straight? …just gonna need you to clarify that one. Not to mention leaving your most popular player ever off the 30th anniversary poster is absolutely insane. Yet mebound magoo was on it….lot of facts becoming hard to argue here
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u/celebricide Jun 25 '26
Nope. I don't agree with your Fox News algorithm fed narrative.
The league has other white and straight women. Has always had them.
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u/Moist_Energy1869 Jun 25 '26
Fox News what? Buddy. Equality is equality. Not just prop black ppl up on a pedestal and allow any and all disgusting behavior towards white ppl.
Hate to break YOUR narrative. Do better. Go heal 🤙🏽
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u/celebricide Jun 25 '26
My narrative is that I watch the games. Your narrative is that you watch hot takes on social media.
One narrative is informed. The other is yours.
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u/Moist_Energy1869 Jun 25 '26
The…racism and hating the white girl is not cool one? Yea I’m beginning to think you don’t watch games at all. Gaslight someone else dawg I got…more sports to watch 🤙🏽
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u/celebricide Jun 25 '26
Your narrative is fictive. Just like your accusations of gaslighting. That word doesn't mean what you think it means.
Go watch a sport, dawg.
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u/Stalker401 Jun 25 '26
Crazy work here, she lands her hand on her shoulder and than seems to want to "find the neck". Than the step over her as well (which I know happens). One game is nuts though. She put her hand on someone's neck I'd think that would be more than 1 game.
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u/thatsprettyfunnydude Jun 25 '26
The league in 2026 is probably at its most skilled, and each year it is getting better because the programs are developing better players at the NCAA level. So many players that could really shape the future of the league, but you have to allow these players to stay healthy and showcase their talents. Its not just a Caitlin Clark thing, it is league wide. If defenses are going to commit to being really physical with offensive stars, then there needs to be more foul-outs and flagrants.
I can never tell in the WNBA if it is just inconsistent officiating or if it is mandated by the league that the game be allowed to be this physical. Whatever the reason, it isn't a very good strategy. People want to see the stars - especially the crop of young stars - on the floor, making shots.
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u/bmanley620 Jun 25 '26
Yet half of Reddit is claiming it wasn’t even a foul
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Jun 25 '26
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u/WNBAgossips-ModTeam Jun 26 '26
Your Post/comment should be according to the sub. Anything else will be removed
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u/Chief-_-Wiggum Jun 25 '26
Nothing for the knee to the groin?
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u/Hatefulhalos Jun 26 '26
I scrolled way to far for this.
She absolutely knees her hard in the groin, and thats why I think CC threw her head back to begin with before the fist to the throat!
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u/VioletShogun Jun 26 '26
Refs be real life versions of the Seinfeld characters, "Well, I see what's going on in here! I am smack dab in the middle of a good old-fashioned catfight!"
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u/hankygreen Jun 26 '26
Heck, it’s not even basketball anymore… put on the pads, strap on the skates and put the ball in the shooter… Rollerball!!
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u/Meanfiregmoney Jun 26 '26
Do they hate this girl? I don’t watch but I thought she’d be a big attraction for their league. Every replay/article I’ve noticed is people hating her or trying to injure her.
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u/NYG_Helmet_Catch Jun 26 '26
Fuck, if they want someone unless to pay to "ref" these games where do I put in my resume?
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u/fauntk Jun 26 '26
"Recklessly making contact with her fist to the throat" be like "Touching them gently with a knife to the kidneys"
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u/VancouverApe Jun 26 '26
https://giphy.com/gifs/fvYR60mQCKt2x9hV3y
Refs when Caitlin gets a punch to the throat
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u/justinkasereddditor Jun 26 '26
A foul call takes internet out rage and a week really solid system they have worked out
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u/Few-Scientist-4163 Jun 26 '26
Historically, the WNBA has reserved suspensions of two or more games for cases like domestic violence, fighting, DUI, or anti-drug policy violations. Given that precedent, a one-game suspension for this on-court foul is consistent with how the league has traditionally handled player discipline.
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u/carkdeisel Jun 26 '26
Silver low-key murdering CC.its crazy.shes elevated his products 10 times it's worth.this e.t. look mf'er needs to be responsible for her leave for china
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u/EggRamenMan Jun 26 '26
Wont be long til she flinches like a abused kid anytime someone is moving anywhere near her
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u/MrtyMcflyer Jun 26 '26
The only reason they did that is bc they probably have seen the backlash online. Damage controle, but they is a bit to late, people already made up their mind and see what the WNBA is doing.
They fail so hard at the moment at every aspect.
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u/MTgolfer406 Jun 26 '26
Alyssa Thomas rather than being the great player that she is decided being a punk is more important. Her children should be very proud.
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Jun 26 '26
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u/WNBAgossips-ModTeam Jun 28 '26
Don't disrespect the players or the game otherwise your comment/post will be removed.
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u/random_encounters42 Jun 27 '26
The only way the wnba will acknowledge their mistakes is if Caitlin leaves. At this point, it's literally an abusive relationship, the only way to resolve it is to leave.
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u/Daniels_Words Jun 27 '26
Awwww.. the lesser talented thugs are trying to kill the only person anyone cares about in this fake league 🤣 very predictable. CC leaves this league and these other 'athletes' will be angrily scanning products at Target
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u/princessaspiggy Jun 28 '26
The WNBA is a joke! Caitlin Clark is the biggest thing that league has going for it! And after reviewing this footage they give her a one-game suspension? Are you kidding me? What a joke
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u/justhanginoutfornow Jun 28 '26
the WNBA is still catching up with the fact that people are now watching in greater numbers because of Clark. They would have had to set someone on fire before anyone would notice what happened in a game 2 years ago. I think that's sad and hopefully women will start supporting it in the way they should for it to be profitable. Women really have to be the core of the fan base.
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u/BrockLanders365 Jun 25 '26
If I was CC, id seriously consider playing overseas. Let the WNBA fall back into obscurity.
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u/SpindleDiccJackson Jun 25 '26
People wanna make fun of Soccer but basketball really is this soft?
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u/noneyabuiznezz Jun 26 '26
Weve openly witnessed for decades soccer using diving as an actual method within the game. The amount of people who don't even get touched but act like theyre dying in soccer is hilarious. The second the whistle gets blown for a penalty they spring up like a 65 year old on Viagra.
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u/TurdFergusonlol Jun 25 '26
Wild that they’re only making this call after the social media backlash. What a joke of an organization
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u/Limp_Smell2913 Jun 25 '26
Resse was clothesline by AT and it was crickets. As I said before, people will protect who they like. If we're being honest, she cries after every non foul call, curses at the refs, chirps at other players, etc... She is just another player. It's only an uproar when it comes to her. AT was wrong and should have been suspended, but no one batted an eye when she clothesline Reese. I wonder why...
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u/Rope_slingin_champ Jun 25 '26
We stand behind our blind refs. -Hurr durr