Alyssa Thomas: Caitlin Clark incident has led to death threats

“It’s unfortunate that it’s come to this over basketball,” Thomas said.

“A lot of us – myself included – didn’t even know the play took place until after the game.

“There’s death threats out on us. It’s really unacceptable. It’s really something that needs to change in this league and I’m just really sick and tired of it.

“People are sending racial slurs and all types of stuff. The hatred that we’re experiencing over a play that, honestly, was a complete accident…

“We still have yet to hear anything from Cathy. It’s no surprise. You could see what’s being said on social media. As usual she remains silent.

“That’s unfortunate when our lives our being threatened.”

In a statement, Engelbert said the WNBA “vehemently condemns any and all forms of hate” and the league’s top priority is the safety and wellbeing of players.

Thomas served her suspension on Saturday as Mercury beat the Toronto Tempo.

Shortly after that incident with Thomas, Clark, who is one of the biggest women’s basketball stars of all time, was fouled during a three-pointer which led to an awkward landing.

She went off in the second half with a back injury and was ruled out for the rest of the game.

The officials reviewed the play, but it was for a potential hostile act by Clark for hitting a defender in the face, rather than for a foul on her.

After the game Fever head coach Stephanie White criticised referees for their “egregious” and “utterly disrespectful” officiating around Clark.

Mercury and Fever meet again on 9 July in Phoenix.