Prior to the Mercury’s game on Saturday against the WNBA’s newest expansion team, the Toronto Tempo, Tibbetts took the podium to address the suspension."First off, the Mercury organization would like to let AT know that she is 100% supported." He didn’t mince words from the start.
He wanted the media and public to know that he, his players and the organization stand behind Thomas' unsportsmanlike actions.Tibbetts then aimed to provide a defense of the 13-year veteran through a supposed positive league-wide reputation saying, "People in this league know who AT is.She’s a competitor.
She’s a winner.And she’s tough." WNBA SUSPENDS ALYSSA THOMAS FOR 'RECKLESSLY' HITTING CAITLIN CLARK IN THROAT DURING SCRAMBLEPhoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas scrambles to get up over Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on June 24, 2026.
The Phoenix Mercury defeated the Indiana Fever 111-109.(USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)Most importantly, he addressed the claim that Thomas cheap-shotted Clark, which fans and Fever Head Coach Stephanie White have presented since their game on Wednesday: "The one thing she is not, is cheap." He then added, "I respect Steph White.
I got to know her through USA basketball.I respect her as a coach and as a person.
I understand her sticking up for Caitlin in this situation.But, to say that we had two cheapshots in that game, to me, is ridiculous."Tibbetts then directly addressed his "disappointment with the suspension process" and the "leaders in the W." Tibbetts staked the bold claim that "This was not a thorough investigation," while explaining that he was upset that neither he, Alyssa Thomas, nor the security team were interviewed or asked to give their thoughts on the situation. This is an odd thing to be upset about.
It’s as if talking to a biased party of Thomas’ peers would provide any beneficial assistance in the league’s decision."The people involved were not q...