Caitlin Clark Credited With Making Alyssa Thomas' 'Life Better'

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Holleran | Last updated Jul 2, 2026 9:45 AM ET

Alyssa Thomas probably isn't the biggest fan of Caitlin Clark these days. However, the Phoenix Mercury star forward's life is better because of Clark, according to one USA TODAY columnist.

Thomas, who was suspended after hitting Clark in the throat and the groin, says that she is being threatened.

"I'm crazy, you know, the playing the game, being suspended, 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, you know, the game," Thomas said, admitting that she received death threats. "And, you know, now we're being painted as thugs, and there's death threats out on us. So it's really unacceptable. It's something that needs to change in this league."

Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images&period;

But USA TODAY columnist Christine Brennan believes that Thomas' life is actually better because of Clark and her impact on the WNBA.

Columnist argues Clark is making all of her critics richer

Thomas might not like Clark, but she's been a boon to the WNBA. Brennan appeared on OutKick’s "Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich" and explained her position.

"Is the league going to speak out at all about the visual that will live with this league, I believe forever? I think that picture, the fist to the throat is that big of a deal. I wish it wasn’t racial. I wish it was (Marina) Mabrey or somebody so you can have it not be a racial conversation because in our polarized society, I hate that," Brennan said. "I wish that could be out of it and we can look at the fact that the face of the league, Caitlin Clark, no doubt about it, every measure possible, has got a fist to her throat. Caitlin Clark, who has brought the charter flights, I broke that story, you know, that’s a fact," she explained.

"Caitlin Clark, with all the TV ratings, all the attendance figures, everything that she has brought she has made Alyssa Thomas’ life better. She's making more money. She's got it. She's not in the middle seat anymore in coach as they all used to be, some of them and, instead you've got the fist to the throat. She’s hitting the person who brought her all of that. That’s why this story resonates. I wish we would hear from Cathy Engelbert about it. Is she concerned about Caitlin Clark and Caitlin Clark being injured?"

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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