Alyssa Thomas: The Caitlin Clark incident led to death threats

“It’s unfortunate that it has come to this over basketball,” Thomas said.

“Many of us – myself included – didn’t even know until the game was over.

“We have death threats on us. It’s really unacceptable. It’s really something that needs to change in this league and I’m really sick and tired of it.

“People are sending racial slurs and all that kind of stuff. The hate we’re getting over a drama that, frankly, was a complete accident…

“We haven’t heard anything from Cathy yet. No surprise there. You can see what’s being said on social media. As usual she’s keeping quiet.

“It’s unfortunate when our lives are threatened.”

In a statement, Engelbart said the WNBA “strongly condemns any and all forms of hate” and that the league’s top priority is the safety and well-being of players.

Thomas served his suspension on Saturday as the Mercury defeated the Toronto Tempo.

Shortly after that incident with Thomas, Clark, one of the biggest women’s basketball stars of all time, was fouled during a three-pointer that resulted in an awkward landing.

He went off with a back injury in the second half and missed the rest of the game.

Officials reviewed the play, but it was a potential foul on Clark for hitting a defender in the face, rather than a foul on him.

After Game Fever head coach Stephanie White criticized the referees for their “excessive” and “completely disrespectful” handling of their duties around Clarke.

Mercury and the Fever meet again in Phoenix on July 9.