Caitlin Clark speaks out after flagrant foul at Phoenix Mercury game
· Yahoo Sports
Indiana Fever star player Caitlin Clark for the first time publicly addressed the on-court incident and controversy that followed the June 24 WNBA game with the Phoenix Mercury.
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Mercury star forward Alyssa Thomas was suspended on June 25 for one game after a flagrant foul was awarded after a post-game review.
Thomas landed on Clark during play and pushed her fist into Clark’s throat, then stepped over her.
"I did think it was a flagrant foul. Our reffing just needs to be better ... The league has to do better protecting our players," Clark told reporters during a shootaround July 3 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Clark and Thomas have faced backlash from media and fans alike. Both have faced harassment and Thomas said she has even received death threats. Clark also addressed that in her brief comments to reporters.
""The harassment, the hate — none of that is OK," Clark said.
Mercury's Alyssa Thomas criticizes officiating, backlash
Thomas also previously criticized the officiating that led to her suspension.
"It’s unfortunate that it’s come to this over basketball,” Thomas said June 30. “Now, we’re painted as thugs and there’s death threats out on us. It’s really unacceptable and needs to change in this league. I'm sick and tired of it.”
The foul was not called during live action, and the league said Thomas "recklessly" made contact with Clark and "committed a non-basketball act.”
Since June 24 and the 1-game suspension of Thomas, the Mercury have won three straight, the longest winning streak of the season, and Thomas has returned to action.
The Mercury will face Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever for the final time during the regular season July 9 at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Caitlin Clark speaks out after flagrant foul at Phoenix Mercury game