Phoenix Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas is Receiving Death Threats after Incident with Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas said she has received death threats and been called racial slurs in the aftermath of her one-game suspension after she made contact with her fist to Caitlin Clark’s throat in last week’s matchup against Indiana. Thomas also criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert for not doing more to protect the league’s players when she spoke with reporters on Tuesday at the team’s practice facility. “It’s unfortunate that it’s come to this over basketball,” Thomas said. “A lot of us — myself included — didn’t even know the play took place until after the game. Now we’re being painted as thugs. There’s death threats out on us. It’s really unacceptable. It’s something that needs to change in this league and I’m just really sick and tired of it.”
Engelbert released a statement Tuesday night. “The WNBA vehemently condemns any and all forms of hate. The safety and well-being of everyone in our community is always the league’s top priority,” Engelbert said. “We are aware of Alyssa Thomas’ comments, and what she and her teammates have experienced is completely unacceptable and not representative of the WNBA community. The league and our security team have been in contact with the Phoenix Mercury organization and remain committed to protecting all players.”
Thomas called the play a “complete accident,” but said her main concern wasn’t the suspension. The six-time All-Star said she didn’t know she was being suspended until 10 minutes before it was released on social media. “It’s not even about the suspension,” Thomas said. “If that’s what they felt was necessary in that moment, then so be it. But I think there’s a lot of other plays that you can say the same about. The biggest thing is about our safety. We’re so concerned about the safety on the court, but time and time again, we’re having people threaten our lives. Leaking addresses out there. Putting crazy pictures that have nothing to do with basketball.”
The play happened with 6:52 left in the second quarter in a game against Clark’s Indiana Fever on Wednesday and was deemed to be a non-basketball act. The league gave Thomas a Flagrant Foul 2 penalty for it. No foul was called on the play by officials in the moment. The WNBA is allowed to review a game to reclassify a Flagrant foul or to classify as Flagrant any foul not called as such during a game. “People are sending racial slurs and all types of stuff,” Thomas said. “There’s a difference between trolling and there’s a difference between hatred. The hatred that we’re experiencing over a play that, honestly, was a complete accident, no one even knew it happened. It’s just unfortunate. The league has to do better in this instance.”
Thomas and Engelbert exchanged text messages last week to talk about the security issue, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on Tuesday night. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the discussion. The person said that Engelbert immediately directed league security to get in touch with Phoenix security once she heard about the threats. Thomas served her suspension on Saturday when the Mercury visit the Toronto Tempo.
The Fever renewed their call for player safety in a statement on Thursday. The two teams had played a few days before the Thomas-Clark incident and there were six technical fouls called and one ejection. Clark picked up her fifth technical of the season in that game. The team petitioned the league to have it rescinded, but the WNBA confirmed that the technical will stand. “It was egregious. The fact that it was a no-call … You got to call it,” Fever coach Stephanie White said after the game. “You’re coming in here aware of what happened two nights ago and that (expletive) still happens? Absolutely unacceptable.” The Mercury and Fever play again on July 9 in Phoenix. The game will air live on WTHR Channel 13 in Indianapolis starting at 10 p.m.
Former Indiana University Baseball Player Jake Hanley Transfers to the University of Georgia Indiana Hoosiers first baseman Jake Hanley has committed to the Georgia Bulldogs baseball team. The former Hoosier was a star at Indiana last season, and Hanley serves as a massive addition for Georgia and manager Wes Johnson. Hanley played a critical role in the Hoosiers’ lineup throughout this past season in Bloomington. The talented first baseman ended the season with a .338 batting average, while also hitting 14 total home runs. The Bulldogs have lost a plethora of talent to the transfer portal this offseason, but Hanley could emerge as one of the most important moves prior to the 2027 season. Hanley was credited with 71 total hits and 48 runs batted in last season. The star first baseman was selected to the All-Big Ten Second-Team for his efforts across 2026. Hanley was a consistent star throughout his two years at Indiana, and the first baseman should play an essential role in the Dawgs’ lineup during the 2027 season. Hanley started every game as a freshman and sophomore at Indiana and began his career with 100 straight starts. Georgia has targeted some of the top talent in the transfer portal following the College World Series. The Bulldogs recently landed a commitment from former Utah Utes’ star Jet Gilliam, while also landing former FSU catcher Hunter Carns.
Former Indiana University Softball Player Grayson Ratcliffe Joins Duke University as an Assistant Coach Duke softball head coach Marissa Young announced the hiring of Grayson Radcliffe as an assistant coach Monday afternoon. Radcliffe joins the Blue Devils after a three-year stint at NC State serving as the infield coach and overseeing base running. “We are thrilled to welcome Grayson to Durham and to the Duke softball family,” said Young. “Grayson is one of the best young coaches in the game. Her energy, passion for player development and commitment to doing the little things the right way are truly unmatched. Everything that Grayson embodies aligns with our culture and core values. She is a relentless teacher who will help develop our players defensively while elevating them in many other areas of their growth, both on and off the field. Grayson’s knowledge of the game and her experience within the ACC make her an incredibly valuable addition to our staff. Her enthusiasm, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence will have an immediate impact on our program. We are excited to welcome Grayson to Durham and look forward to the tremendous impact she will have on Duke softball.”
During her time with the Wolfpack, Radcliffe aided the development of the offense, specifically the slappers and baserunners, and served as the camp director for Pack Softball Camps. She helped guide NC State to a 27-26 ledger in 2026 and make its first postseason appearance since 2022. In her three seasons in Raleigh, the Wolfpack compiled an 82-78 overall record and produced four All-Region selections, four All-ACC honorees and a SoftballAmerica Freshman All-American in Morgan Talley. “I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to coach at Duke,” Radcliffe said. “The culture and standard of excellence that Marissa has built over the past nine seasons is truly remarkable and I’m honored to be a part of it. I can’t wait to get to work alongside this incredible staff as we continue chasing championships and developing strong confident women on and off the field.”
Prior to NC State, Radcliffe served as an assistant coach at Indiana University for the 2023 season, following a four-year playing career with the Hoosiers. She oversaw the infield and offense and was part of the coaching staff that was named the NFCA Midwest Regional Staff of the Year. The Rockville, Virginia, native started all 162 games she appeared in for the Hoosiers, primarily at shortstop, and led the team in runs (2019, 2020), home runs (2019, 2020, 2021) and RBI (2019, 2021). She was a 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year nominee, two-time All-Big Ten honoree and three-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar. At the conclusion of her senior season in 2021, she earned NFCA All-Region Third Team honors and was tabbed a CoSIDA Academic All-District First Team selection. Upon completion of her undergraduate studies, Radcliffe was awarded the Big Ten Postgraduate Scholarship to continue her education while on the coaching staff at Indiana. She earned her master’s degree in kinesiology in May 2023. Radcliffe also spent four seasons in the Professional Softball League (PSL), playing with the Florida Vibe, located in Bradenton, Florida.
Former Indiana University Baseball Player Cooper Malamazian Transfers to Florida State University The Florida State baseball team has landed its fifth player out of the transfer portal. Late Monday afternoon, Indiana shortstop Cooper Malamazian announced he’d be transferring to Tallahassee to play for Link Jarrett and the Seminoles. The rising junior started each of his first two years for the Hoosiers, with the majority of his time coming at the shortstop position. This past year, as a true sophomore, Malamazian hit .301 with four home runs, 10 doubles, three triples and 36 RBIs. He slugged .444 in 2026 after slugging .501 as a true freshman in 2025. That year, he also had four homers as well as a team-high 17 doubles. Through two full seasons, the Illinois native has 40 extra-base hits.
Though he hasn’t won the job by any means, Malamazian will definitely be in contention for Florida State’s starting shortstop spot, which was vacated by Gabe Fraser after he entered the transfer portal last month. Fraser had eight extra-base hits all season. Malamazian, who was a Perfect Game second-team Freshman All-American in 2025, spent some time at third base as well for the Hoosiers the last two years. But his primary position has been in the middle infield. In 2026, Malamazian committed 14 errors in 180 chances. Fraser had 10 errors in 107 chances. Malamazian was a 17th-round MLB draft pick by the Milwaukee Brewers out of high school but elected to attend college instead. Now, he’s going to be on the new-look Florida State roster, which has five transfers and counting. The infielder joins Georgia outfielder Ty Peeples, FAMU star slugger Jackson McKenzie, Pearl River Community College record-breaking catcher Coy Clements, and UConn ace Cayden Suchy, the reigning Big East Pitcher of the Year. The last day for any college player to enter the transfer portal was on Wednesday.
Indiana Fever teams up with Sequel to distribute 5,000 menstrual hygiene kits The Indiana Fever helped Hoosiers in need of access to menstrual health products on Friday by hosting “Period Pack,” an event that raises awareness of hygiene equity while expanding access to essential menstrual health products. In partnership with Sequel, a company that prioritizes the needs of women athletes, members from the Indiana Fever assembled 5,000 hygiene kits alongside Sequel staff and community volunteers. Each kit contained 15 tampons and eight pads, which will be distributed to those in need across central Indiana. “Sequel was built because women and girls deserve period care that can keep up with real life. Whether they’re on the court, at work or just going through the day, we want to be there for women,” Sequel co-founder and CEO Greta Meyer said in a release.
“We’re proud to team up with the Indiana Fever to get products directly to people across central Indiana who need them and be part of a community that sees the power of sport to make a difference, both on and off the court.” As part of the partnership, complimentary Sequel products are available to both Fever players and fans, with locations in the team’s locker room and throughout Gainbridge Fieldhouse restrooms.
Indy Eleven to host Indy-pendence Day Celebration for America’s 250th Birthday To celebrate America’s 250th birthday, the Indy Eleven is hosting an Indy-pendence Day celebration during their match against Charleston Battery on Saturday. Max Johnson, senior director of content communications and digital marketing at Indy Eleven, joined WISH-TV Channel 8 in Indianapolis on Tuesday to talk about what to expect from the night’s celebrations. “We’re actually starting the game a little bit early, giving folks a chance to watch the match, and then make it out to all the various fireworks celebrations throughout the city,” Johnson said. Saturday’s game starts at 4 p.m. at Carroll Stadium. Johnson says that, staying on theme with America’s 250th birthday, there will be a deal for two tickets for $25, as well as cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon for $2.50.
Johnson is optimistic about the team’s performance ahead of Saturday’s game. He says that a big reason for that optimism is the support of the fans. Johnson says that the World Cup had sparked a growing interest in soccer as well. “Currently we’re sitting at sixth the top eight make it to the playoffs. But with that being said, we’re only three points behind third place. We’re doing very well at home this year,” said Johnson. Indy Eleven is taking steps to make sure that fans stay cool during the heat. Johnson says that they will have cooling stations set up throughout the stadium. Kids will also be able to enjoy the Indy Eleven’s Fun Zone, featuring crafts and photo ops. Tickets and more information about the game can be found online.
Indiana Pacers’ Group Unveiled for the Upcoming Season’s NBA Cup The Indiana Pacers would love to get to play for an NBA Cup championship in their home city this upcoming season. But it will not be easy. On Tuesday night, the Pacers learned which other teams will be in their group for the 2026 NBA Cup. The Pacers will be in the Eastern Conference’s Group B, which consists of the following: Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers.
The Knicks of course will enter the 2026-27 season as the defending NBA champions having won the title in June. New York also won last year’s NBA Cup championship. The Pacers will host NBA Cup games against New York and Philadelphia. Meanwhile, they will face the Cavs and Heat on the road in their other NBA Cup games. All 30 NBA teams were “randomly drawn into groups of five within their conference based on win-loss records from the 2025-26 regular season,” according to the NBA. The NBA Cup will begin with “Group Play” games on Friday, Oct. 30. The three group winners in each conference will advance to the “Knockout Round” of the in-season tournament. In addition, each conference will have one wild card team (the best second-place team in each conference) advance to the “Knockout Round” of the tournament. The 2026 NBA Cup title game will take place on Friday, Dec. 11 inside Hinkle Fieldhouse.