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Caitlin Clark’s rise has ‘made Alyssa Thomas’ life better,’ Christine Brennan says after fist incident

Christine Brennan, USA Today columnist and author of “ON HER GAME: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women’s Sports,” talked about why Phoenix Suns forward Alyssa Thomas’ early image of Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark resonated with sports fans.

The incident led to a one-game suspension for Thomas and another round of discourse regarding the on-court treatment Clark received from her WNBA counterparts. In just his third season, Clark was hit multiple times.

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Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas attempts to tackle Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on June 24, 2026. Phoenix Mercury defeated Indiana Fever 111-109. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

Brennan appeared on OutKick’s “Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich” and suggested that the footage of Thomas punching Clark in the throat was “so important” because Clark’s popularity paved the way for helping players like Thomas.

“Is the league ever going to talk about the image that will live with this league, I think forever? I think that image, the punch to the throat, is such a big deal. I wish it wasn’t racist. I wish it was (Marina) Mabrey or someone else, you can make sure it’s not a racist conversation because I hate that in our polarized society,” said Brennan. “I wish this could go away and we could see Caitlin Clark, the face of the league, there’s no doubt about it, getting punched in the throat with every precaution possible. Caitlin Clark, who brought in the charter flights, I told that story, you know, it’s a fact.

Caitlin Clark, who plays basketball at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, wears an Indiana Fever jersey

Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark plays against the Phoenix Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 24, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

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“Caitlin Clark has made Alyssa Thomas’ life better, with all the TV ratings and all the audience numbers and everything she brings. She’s making more money. She’s won. She’s no longer in the middle seat on the bus like some people used to be, and instead she has her fist to her throat. She’s hitting the person who brought her all this. That’s why this story resonates. I wish we could hear that from Cathy Engelbert. Is she worried about Caitlin Clark and Caitlin Clark getting hurt?”