Mercury's Tibbetts Blasts WNBA's 1-Game Thomas Ban as Clark Foul Probe Falls Short
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jun 28
Mercury's Tibbetts Blasts WNBA's 1-Game Thomas Ban as Clark Foul Probe Falls Short
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jun 28
Summary
Nate Tibbetts said the WNBA's review of Alyssa Thomas' one-game suspension was not thorough, arguing league officials never contacted him, Thomas or Mercury security before punishing the play involving Caitlin Clark.
The ban stemmed from Wednesday's uncalled incident that the league later ruled was reckless contact to Clark's throat area; Indiana coach Stephanie White had labeled it a "cheap shot."
Phoenix backed Thomas publicly after its 89-80 win over Toronto, with Kahleah Copper and Lexi Held saying false narratives spread and the league should have checked on Thomas as well.
Tibbetts, who sits with White on the WNBA's officiating task force, said the league must clean up officiating with one standard for stars and role players alike, not based on fan base, race or status.