Coach Defends Alyssa Thomas After Suspension

Wilmington News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jun 28, 2026 · 1m

Phoenix Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts is standing firmly by Alyssa Thomas after her one-game suspension for a hard hit on Caitlin Clark, calling the league’s decision rushed and unfair. He defended Thomas as a tough, competitive player who’s not “cheap,” and criticized the WNBA for not interviewing key parties during the investigation, suggesting social media pressure may have swayed the outcome. Tibbetts also rejected claims his comments implied bias based on star power or race, insisting the rules should apply equally — though his remarks sparked debate. While the Mercury move on, the Fever…