Alyssa Thomas Says Death Threats Followed 1-Game Ban as WNBA Defends Cathy Engelbert Contact
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 1
Alyssa Thomas Says Death Threats Followed 1-Game Ban as WNBA Defends Cathy Engelbert Contact
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 1
Summary
Death threats, racial slurs and leaked addresses hit Alyssa Thomas and Phoenix teammates after her one-game suspension for a flagrant foul on Caitlin Clark, prompting Thomas to accuse the WNBA of failing to protect players.
Thomas said commissioner Cathy Engelbert never meaningfully followed up, while a league source said Engelbert texted Thomas last week, offered a call and directed league security to contact Phoenix security.
DeWanna Bonner said she and her family also received death threats and racist messages, shared them with Mercury security and said Phoenix police were contacted; she added harassment has persisted since her 2025 exit from Indiana.
The WNBA said it "vehemently condemns" hate and remains in contact with the Mercury, but Thomas said the league still prioritizes on-court safety over off-court abuse despite its "No Space For Hate" campaign.