WNBA suspends Phoenix Mercury player Alyssa Thomas for one game

NEW YORK (CBS, KYMA) - A shocking moment on the court is stirring up major controversy in the WNBA as it involves a player who put her fist on Caitlin Clark's throat during a game, and Clark's coach says it's part of a pattern.

On Thursday, the WNBA said it suspended Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas for one game, a day after she used her fist to press down on Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark's throat during a game.

The incident came just two days after another physical matchup between the Fever and Mercury, which featured several technical fouls and an ejection.

"And I just say again...absolutely unacceptable," said Stephanie White, Fever head coach.

In a fiery press conference Wednesday, White said the refereeing was disrespectful. She pointed to another play that happened in the second quarter when Clark was fouled while shooting a three. White said it should have been upgraded to a flagrant.

Clark later exited the game with back issues.

"We have a WNBA superstar who had two cheap shots right there...The one thing we keep asking for is consistency," White expressed. "She is not called the same way everyone else is called."

"This is probably as animated as I've ever seen a Fever coach, any coach, after a game," said James Boyd, a staff writer for the Atlantic who has covered the Fever for five years.

During that time, Clark has dealt with several instances of heavy contact, going back to her rookie season.

"You just cannot let it cross that line to the point where you're no longer playing basketball. It's no longer just a little, you know, competitive spirit. It's a dangerous play," Boyd remarked.

In a statement, the WNBA said Thomas would serve her suspension during Saturday's game when the Mercury visit Toronto.

The Indiana Fever said they appreciate the league's review of the incident, adding that player safety should be paramount.