WNBA Hall of Fame Honorees Urge Stronger Player Protection After 1-Game Thomas Ban
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jun 26
WNBA Hall of Fame Honorees Urge Stronger Player Protection After 1-Game Thomas Ban
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jun 26
Summary
One day after Alyssa Thomas drew a 1-game suspension for contact with Caitlin Clark’s neck, Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne and Cheryl Reeve said the WNBA must better protect players and punish excessive contact.
Parker and Delle Donne said heavy physical play has long been part of the league, but greater freedom of movement would better showcase skill and reduce the wear players absorbed, including Delle Donne’s back issues.
Reeve said the bigger problem is missed calls in real time: she called it “egregious” that officials did not whistle Thomas’ play on Clark and said dangerous acts should not be left for postgame review.
Last season’s semifinals sharpened that view after Napheesa Collier injured her ankle on a no-call involving Thomas; Reeve was later suspended for Game 4 after publicly blasting officiating and league leadership.
Reeve said officiating, communication and transparency have improved this season, while Parker and Delle Donne said the league’s rising visibility is bringing both tougher scrutiny and the broader debate women’s basketball long sought.