Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas is being flooded with online hate comments after a controversial on-court collision with Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark.
The incident took place on Wednesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. It had been a tight game throughout the entire night, but reached a boiling point in the second quarter when Thomas and Clark were battling it out for a loose ball.
Video from the incident appears to show Thomas make contact with Clark’s throat area with her hand, leaving Clark lying on the floor momentarily. Thomas then stepped over Clark, with no foul being called.
Fever fans were outraged. Many have accused Thomas of intentionally dangerous play, while others have called out officials for allowing the play to move forward without a whistle.
The game ultimately ended in a 111-109 loss for the Fever, and Clark left with a back injury.
Many took to the comment sections of Thomas’ recent Instagram posts to call her out for her treatment of Clark.
“DIRTIEST PLAYER IN THE LEAGUE!!!” wrote one angry fan.
That was dirty hitting Caitlin like that. Poor sportsmanship on your part,” said another.
The controversy between the two teams escalated even further after Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White slammed officials for “cheap shots” on Clark.
“It was egregious. The fact that it was a no-call … You got to call it,” said White. “You’re coming in here aware of what happened two nights ago and that s–t still happens? Absolutely unacceptable.”
Former WNBA player Stacey Dales also spoke out about the treatment of Clark on social media, calling for change.
“This. Tonight was a pivotal moment in Caitlin Clark’s season and career. It’s time the league takes notes and adjusts. It impacts a franchise,” she posted on X.
