\n<\/p>\n
“It’s unfortunate that it’s come to this over basketball,” Thomas said.<\/p>\n
“A lot of us – myself included – didn’t even know the play took place until after the game.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“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…<\/p>\n
“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. <\/p>\n
“That’s unfortunate when our lives our being threatened.”<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Thomas served her suspension on Saturday as Mercury beat the Toronto Tempo.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
She went off in the second half with a back injury and was ruled out for the rest of the game.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
After the game Fever head coach Stephanie White criticised referees for their “egregious” and “utterly disrespectful” officiating around Clark.<\/p>\n
Mercury and Fever meet again on 9 July in Phoenix.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n