MM 7.1: Former Maryland women’s basketball star Alyssa Thomas involved in controversy

· Yahoo Sports

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JUNE 22: Alyssa Thomas #25 of the Phoenix Mercury and Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever get into a scuffle during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 22, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Alyssa Thomas has consistently made headlines in the WNBA over the years thanks to her quality on the court. However, over the last week, the former Maryland women’s basketball star has been the focus of WNBA discourse after a potentially dirty play involving the league’s budding star, Caitlin Clark.

Thomas’ Phoenix Mercury played consecutive games against Clark’s Indiana Fever on June 22 and 24. The incident drawing all the attention occurred in the second game; it is important to note that there were also six technical fouls and an ejection in the first game.

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Halfway through the second quarter of the second game, Clark dribbled into the paint and took a tumble; Thomas came over as a help defender and appeared to fall on Clark, with her right knee landing on the guard’s groin. Cameras showed Thomas’ closed fist then slide onto Clark’s throat.

Thomas was not called for a foul in the moment. After the game, the league gave Thomas a Flagrant 2 foul and suspended her for one game.

Thomas spoke to the media Tuesday for the first time since the incident, revealing she had been on the receiving end of death threats and large amounts of online abuse. In an ESPN article also published Tuesday, she said she had been on the receiving end of racial slurs alongside those death threats in the days following the clash.

In other news

Maryland quarterback Malik Washington received incredibly high praise from NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay.

Six Maryland football players earned all-Big Ten honors from Athlon. Daniel Wingate and Bryce McFerson were named to the first team, Sidney Stewart and Zahir Mathis were named to the third team and Dorian Fleming and Sean O’Haire were named to the fourth team.

Maryland men’s basketball alum Jahmir Young will play for the Miami Heat in the Summer League with a real shot at making the 15-man roster following moves the Heat made over the offseason.

Former Terp Chloe Bibby signed for the WNBA’s Chicago Sky.

The Bob is getting new turf.

Fatts Russell, who played for the Terps from 2021-22, is suiting up for the… Romanian national team?

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