WNBA star Caitlin Clark was the victim of a throat jab by Indiana Fever's Alyssa Thomas, an incident that initially went unpunished immediately after the game. After a league review, Thomas received a one-game suspension and a Flagrant 2 foul. However, according to the Sports Business Journal, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert was not planning to suspend Thomas until NBA Commissioner Adam Silver intervened.

Silver reportedly stated there was clear evidence of a flagrant foul and urged Engelbert to impose the suspension. The league followed its usual protocols for flagrant fouls in handling the case.

Former WNBA All-star Katie Douglas highlighted the need for change in the league, noting the increased physicality Clark faces and the importance of distinguishing fouls from normal contact. Douglas's comments come amid calls from House GOP members for the WNBA to better protect Clark.

The Sports Business Journal also reported that Engelbert has not attended an Indiana Fever game since Clark was drafted. Despite this, Silver praised Engelbert's efforts, saying, "I think Cathy continues to do a strong job building that league."

The incident and subsequent suspension underscore ongoing discussions about the future of the league and the importance of protecting its brightest stars. As noted, "The league has an extraordinary opportunity to inspire the next generation of female athletes to pursue athletics, but that opportunity is undermined when its brightest stars are not adequately protected."

Sources