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Stephanie White Calls for WNBA to Be 'Better' After Suspension Decision
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- Stephanie White Calls for WNBA to Be 'Better' After Suspension Decision
While Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White is "thankful" that the WNBA quickly took action regarding the Caitlin Clark - Alyssa Thomas incident, she emphasized that the league still needs to do better when it comes to officiating.
In the second quarter of Wednesday's game between the Fever and the Phoenix Mercury , Thomas hit Clark in the throat after the Indiana All-Star slipped and fell to the floor while attacking the basket. As multiple Phoenix players scrambled to get the ball, Thomas was seen making contact with Clark's neck area with her fist.
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No foul was called on the play. However, after the game, the WNBA reviewed the incident and deemed it a "non-basketball act." The league pointed out that Thomas "recklessly" made "contact with her fist to the throat area" of Clark.
The WNBA upgraded the foul to a Flagrant 2 and suspended Thomas for one game because of her actions.
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) scrambles to get up over Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22).USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Stephanie White addressed the suspension decision and noted that WNBA officials should have called the foul in "real time" during the game.
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White also demanded that the WNBA and its officials do "better."
"I think the biggest thing for me is that we have to see it in real time," White said, per Sporting News. "I mean, yes, I'm thankful that the league went back and used their ability to go back and review it, but these are things that we can't miss in real time. We've got to be better."
The Fever tactician added that she wants to see more consistency when it comes to officiating.
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It remains to be seen what actions the WNBA will take to improve officiating. Considering the recent events that have unfolded, however, there will certainly be plenty of eyes on the referees and how they call games.
Related: Indiana Fever GM Reacts to Aliyah Boston, Caitlin Clark All-Star Update
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
