WNBA’s Cathy Engelbert releases statement after being called out by Alyssa Thomas

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert issued an official statement after Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas demanded that the league do a better job of safeguarding its players

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert publicly denounced “any and all forms of hate” after Alyssa Thomas accused the league of not protecting players’ safety — both on and off the court.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Thomas revealed she’s been subjected to death threats and severe online abuse following her fiery collision with Caitlin Clark. During the Fever’s 111-109 defeat to the Mercury last Wednesday, the star guard hit the court while driving to the basket with approximately seven minutes left in the second quarter.

As Clark attempted to pass the ball from the floor, Thomas lunged for the loose ball, making contact with her fist to the 24-year-old’s throat area. Although referees initially called no foul on the play, league officials subsequently upgraded the incident to a Flagrant 2 violation the following day, handing the forward a one-game suspension and a $1,000 fine for “recklessly making contact with her fist to the throat area of Caitlin Clark.”

Addressing the fierce wave of backlash directed her way on the heels of the incident, Thomas said: “Just the whole narrative that’s being painted out there, it’s unfortunate that it’s come to this over basketball.

“A lot of us, myself included, didn’t even know the play took place until after the game. And now we’re being painted as thugs.

“And [there are] death threats out on us, so it’s really unacceptable. It’s something that needs to change in this league, and I’m just really sick and tired of it.”

In response to Thomas’ demand for change, Engelbert said in an official statement: “The WNBA vehemently condemns any and all forms of hate. 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.”

Though Thomas accepted her suspension — which she discovered “10 minutes before it was put out on social media” — the 34-year-old contended that the WNBA needs to significantly improve how it safeguards its athletes.

“It’s not even about the suspension,” she stated. “If that’s what they felt was necessary in that moment, then so be it. But I think there’s a lot of other plays that you can say the same about.

“I think the biggest thing is, it’s just about our safety. We are so concerned about the safety on the court, but time and time again we’re having people threatening our lives, leaking addresses out there. Putting crazy pictures that have nothing to do with basketball.

“At some point, the league needs to put a stand on it. They came out with no hate speech, but what is that gonna do?

“Time and time again, players are going through this and the league remains silent. So I’m sick and tired of it. It’s time for them to stand up and have our backs in these instances.”

According to ESPN’s Alexa Philippou, Engelbert exchanged texts with Thomas last week, and ordered WNBA security to collaborate with Phoenix security upon catching wind of the threats being posed against the Mercury player.

“The league and our security team have been in contact with the Phoenix Mercury organization and remain committed to protecting all players,” Engelbert concluded in her statement.

Source:  https://www.themirror.com/sport/basketball/cathy-engelbert-alyssa-thomas-wnba-1914205