It's a great reminder that behind every incompetent league is bad judgment.Engelbert capitulated hours after Thomas, a lightning rod for controversy following her latest violent on-court altercation with Caitlin Clark, cast herself as the victim.Thomas successfully deflected from the fact that she had just been suspended for striking the league's golden goose.SUSPENDED ALYSSA THOMAS BLASTS WNBA'S SILENCE AFTER CAITLIN CLARK FOUL, OFFERS NO ACCOUNTABILITYWNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert speaks before the WNBA basketball draft in New York on April 13, 2026.(Pamela Smith/AP)Despite earning the suspension that fueled the backlash, Thomas still turned herself into the victim, blasted Engelbert and the commissioner predictably folded."The WNBA vehemently condemns any and all forms of hate," Engelbert said in the statement on Tuesday.One has to wonder where fists to the throat rank on the commissioner's list of priorities.The statement amounted to a complete submission to Thomas, who used her Tuesday media availability to blast Engelbert."The safety and well-being of everyone in our community is always the league's top priority.
We are aware of Alyssa Thomas' comments, and what she and her teammates have experienced is completely unacceptable and not representative of the WNBA community.The league and our security team have been in contact with the Phoenix Mercury organization and remain committed to protecting all players."Rather than hold Thomas to her action, Engelbert bent a knee to the wrong player.Phoenix 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)During a loose-ball scramble, Thomas struck Fever superstar Caitlin Clark in the throat with her fist.While officials on the floor inexplicably missed it, the league office later upgraded the play to a Flagrant...