government
Mercury's Thomas says she has received online abuse following suspension for Caitlin Clark incident
By DOUG FEINBERG, Associated Press at ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports
· June 30, 2026
· 1 min read
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas said she has received death threats and been called racial slurs in the aftermath of her one-game suspension after she made contact with her fist to Caitlin Clark’s throat in last week's matchup against Indiana. Thomas also criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy ...
Key takeaway Thomas also criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert for not doing more to protect the league's [...
Why this matters in The McAllen
The online abuse faced by Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas serves as a stark reminder of the darker side of fandom, and its impact can be felt locally. In the Rio Grande Valley, where community and sports often intersect, the consequences of such behavior can be particularly damaging. As the McAllen -Edinburg-Mission metro area continues to grow and support its own athletic programs, the need for respectful discourse and sportsmanship becomes increasingly important. The actions of a few individuals can reflect poorly on the entire community, and it is crucial that local leaders and organizations promote a culture of civility and inclusivity. By doing so, the Valley can ensure that its own athletes and fans can participate in and enjoy sports without fear of harassment or abuse, regardless of the outcome on the court. This incident highlights the need for local initiatives that foster positive relationships between athletes, fans, and the community.
About this story
Original reporting by ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports . The McAllen surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas said she has received death threats and been called racial slurs in the aftermath of her one-game suspension after she made contact with her fist to Caitlin Clark’s throat in last week's matchup against Indiana. Thomas also criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports and curated for The McAllen readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by DOUG FEINBERG, Associated Press at ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports. To learn more about how The McAllen selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The McAllen, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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