Free Republic

The WNBA wasn’t going to suspend Alyssa Thomas after landing her fist on Caitlin Clark’s throat until the NBA got involved. According to the Sports Business Journal, NBA commissioner Adam Silver had to implore WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to suspend Thomas. A WNBA spokesperson told SBJ the report was “absolutely false.” Thomas was ultimately suspended one game and assessed a Flagrant 2 penalty while getting fined $1,000 for “recklessly making contact with her fist to the throat area.” According to the report, Engelbert originally thought no foul called on the play originally made a suspension after the fact too steep...

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert was not planning to suspend Alyssa Thomas for burying a fist into Caitlin Clark’s throat three weeks ago until NBA Commissioner Adam Silver implored her to reverse course and issue the discipline, multiple sources told SBJ Tuesday. Engelbert subsequently suspended Thomas for one game and ordered a Flagrant 2 penalty that carried a $1,000 fine. While a WNBA spokesperson said Wednesday it was “absolutely false’’ that Engelbert did not originally plan to suspend Thomas, sources believe the fact Silver needed to persuade Engelbert is another sign she is likely in her final season as commissioner. League...

This video from Black Conservative Perspective criticizes the WNBA for its handling of physical play against Caitlin Clark. The creator argues that Clark is being unfairly targeted by fellow players due to professional jealousy and her identity as a straight, white woman (2:09 - 2:37, 18:03 - 18:27). Key points discussed in the video: The Incident: The video highlights a specific play where Phoenix Mercury player Alyssa Thomas made contact with Caitlin Clark's throat during a loose-ball scramble (4:22 - 4:44). The league subsequently assessed Thomas a one-game suspension for this "reckless" act (16:54). Calls for Protection: The host contends...