Adam Silver Pushed 1-Game Alyssa Thomas Ban After Caitlin Clark Throat Jab
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 15
Adam Silver Pushed 1-Game Alyssa Thomas Ban After Caitlin Clark Throat Jab
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 15
Summary
Sports Business Journal reported Adam Silver urged WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert to suspend Alyssa Thomas after her fist-to-the-throat contact with Caitlin Clark, helping produce a one-game ban and Flagrant 2 on review.
Engelbert had reportedly resisted because the play was not called in real time and she viewed a postgame suspension as too harsh, while Silver argued the video showed a flagrant foul.
The WNBA told SBJ the account was "absolutely false," and Silver said Tuesday he still believes Engelbert is doing a strong job while the leagues hold ongoing talks about the WNBA's future leadership.
The episode lands amid broader pressure over Clark's treatment: former All-Star Katie Douglas called for change, House Republicans urged stronger player protection, and Clark herself recently said the league must better protect players on and off the court.