Alyssa Thomas should be expelled from the WNBA

Intentional Muggig? No foul called?!

The incident involving Caitlin Clark and Alyssa Thomas during Wednesday night’s game has reignited debate about whether the WNBA is doing enough to protect its biggest stars. Video replay appeared to show Thomas making contact with Clark’s neck during a loose-ball scramble before stepping over the Indiana Fever star, yet no foul was called on the play.

Certainly the WNBA should thoroughly review the play and, if league officials determine that Thomas violated league rules or intentionally endangered an opponent, impose whatever discipline is warranted under league policies.

Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White blasted the officiating after the game, describing multiple uncalled plays involving Clark as “cheap shots” and “absolutely unacceptable.” HE finds the referees less skilled than the players and more green fail to keep control. Start fouling out the bullies in the first half!

Another Indiana Fever game has produced another controversy involving star guard Caitlin Clark. The league’s racism is apparent and appalling. Aren’t Lesbians supposed to be inclusive?

During Wednesday night’s matchup against the Phoenix Mercury, video replay appeared to show Mercury veteran Alyssa Thomas making contact with Clark’s neck while the Fever star was on the floor during a loose-ball scramble. No foul was called on the play, prompting immediate outrage from fans and renewed criticism of WNBA officiating.

The incident occurred in an already physical contest between the two teams. Clark later exited the game with a back injury and did not return.

Whether Thomas intended to injure Clark is ultimately for league officials to determine after reviewing all available video and evidence. But what should no longer be in dispute is that the WNBA must do a better job protecting all of its players, particularly when contact involves the head or neck area.

Professional basketball is a physical sport. Hard fouls, loose-ball scrambles and emotional confrontations are part of the game. However, actions that appear to target vulnerable players on the floor deserve careful review and, when appropriate, meaningful discipline.

Caitlin Clark has brought unprecedented attention, television ratings, attendance and commercial success to the WNBA. The league has an obligation not only to protect Clark, but every player, by consistently enforcing its rules.

Fans can accept physical play. What they struggle to accept is inconsistency.

The WNBA now has an opportunity to review the incident, explain its findings and demonstrate that player safety remains a top priority.

Recent controversy surrounding Clark and the Mercury has become one of the ugly league’s biggest and ugliest storylines this week.