The Thomas-Clark saga has a new wrinkle, as Sports Business Journal reported that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stepped in to persuade WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to facilitate the suspension issued to Phoenix's Alyssa Thomas.
The issue stems from a June 24th no-call foul on Indiana’s Caitlin Clark. The WNBA later issued Thomas a Flagrant 2 and $1,000 fine for making contact with Clark’s neck after a tussle beneath the basket.
According to sources, Engelbert initially didn’t consider discipline since no foul was called on the play. However, Silver insisted “there was clear evidence of a flagrant foul,” saying he “felt badly for Clark and told Engelbert she had to act.”
Soon after the report surfaced, the WNBA told USA TODAY the claims were “absolutely false.”
Engelbert is in the final year of her contract, and has drawn criticism over officiating, fueling speculation about her future.
“I don’t want to speak for Cathy,” Silver said this week.
“We made tremendous progress under her leadership over the last several years. Cathy continues to do a strong job building the league.”
