Alyssa Thomas urges WNBA to protect players from online hate

It all began after Thomas was involved in a play with Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark. The league subsequently suspended Thomas for one game after upgrading the play to a Flagrant 2 foul. The decision quickly sparked widespread debate online over what transpired, with much of the conversation spilling over into attacks directed at the Mercury and the All-Star.

“I think the biggest thing is, it’s just about our safety,” Thomas said to reporters Tuesday, her first time publicly addressing the situation since her suspension. “We’re so concerned about the safety on the court, but time and time again, we’re having people threatening our lives, leaking addresses, putting crazy pictures out there that have nothing to do with basketball.”

Jun 24, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) shoots the ball while Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Social media has been flooded with photos and videos of the play, with some users using AI-generated images to fuel debate over whether the foul was intentional. Others have taken to the comment sections of Mercury players’ social media accounts and the team’s official pages to voice their opinions.

That, in Thomas’ eyes, is where the league needs to step in.

“At some point the league needs to [take] a stand on it,” she said. “They came out with no hate speech, but what is that going to do? Time and time again, players are going through this and the league remains silent. I’m sick and tired of it, and it’s time for them to step up and have our backs in these instances.

“There’s a difference between trolling and there’s a difference between hatred.”

Alyssa Thomas on what the team has been experiencing this past week. pic.twitter.com/RoooL0hUCj

— PHNX Mercury (@PHNX_Mercury) June 30, 2026

“Our families are being threatened, kids are being threatened. People are sending racial slurs and all types of stuff. There’s a difference between trolling, and there’s a difference between hatred. The hatred that we’re experiencing over a play that was honestly a complete accident… It’s just unfortunate.”

Thomas’ comments underscore a growing issue across professional sports as viral moments increasingly lead to online harassment that extends beyond the game.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) falls in the lane as Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) eyes the ball Wednesday, June 24, 2026, during the first half of a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. © Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

While debate over controversial plays is nothing new, Thomas said the threats directed at players and their families cross a line, raising questions about player safety and what responsibility leagues have to respond when abuse moves off the court and into real life.