New Report Refutes Alyssa Thomas' WNBA Accusation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jul 2, 2026 8:01 AM ET

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has reached out to Alyssa Thomas and the Phoenix Mercury about her security.

Controversy surrounded Thomas following the flagrant foul she committed against Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark during their game on June 24.

But the dismay of fans reached another level, resulting in Thomas receiving an enormous amount of hate online, including death threats. This has become a major security concern for the Mercury forward, not just for herself but also for her loved ones.

On Tuesday, Thomas revealed that she hasn’t received any support or additional security measures from the league, particularly from Commissioner Engelbert.

The league quickly responded to Thomas’ public criticism and issued a statement addressing these claims.

Alyssa Thomas poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix.USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

A new report then emerged refuting Thomas' claim. According to ESPN's Alexa Philippou, both parties had already made contact last week.

“Engelbert and Thomas exchanged texts last week, multiple sources told ESPN, and Engelbert directed league security to get in touch with Phoenix security once hearing about the threats toward Thomas,” Philippou posted on X.

This report disputes Thomas' claim that Engelbert did not reach out to her. According to Philippou's sources, the commissioner even took the necessary measures to beef up Thomas' security.

The former No. 4 overall pick in the 2014 WNBA Draft already served her one-game suspension on Saturday during the team’s road game against the Toronto Tempo.

Aside from the one-game suspension, Thomas was also handed a $1,000 fine after she was retroactively assessed a Flagrant 2 foul on Clark.

Even without the services of their reliable forward, Phoenix still managed to beat the Tempo, 89-80, to record their seventh win of the season.

Thomas is expected to suit up against the Seattle Storm in their home game on Thursday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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