Fans slam Mercury coach over post about WNBA’s Caitlin Clark decision

The Caitlin Clark-Alyssa Thomas incident remains the biggest issue in the WNBA, days after the two stars were involved in a controversial in-game scuffle.

Thomas and the Phoenix Mercury defeated Clark and the Indiana Fever on Wednesday, 111-109. However, the biggest talking point from the game was not the result. It was Thomas driving her fist into Clark’s throat in the second quarter of the game.

The referees did not call a foul on the play, which led to an uproar among WNBA fans and analysts alike. This prompted an investigation from the WNBA, which ultimately led to a stern decision against Thomas. The league issued a Flagrant 2 foul on the Mercury star, resulting in a one-game suspension.

Unsurprisingly, the Mercury stood by Thomas after the WNBA’s decision. They offered their support to the embattled All-Star, who served her suspension on Saturday as Phoenix secured an 89-80 win over the Toronto Tempo.

Mercury associate head coach Kristi Toliver took to social media to show her support for Thomas. The Phoenix coach used a quote from Michelle Obama to express her reaction to the WNBA’s suspension decision.

“When we go low, we go high,” Toliver captioned her Instagram story, quoting the former United States first lady.

Phoenix Mercury associate head coach Kristi Toliver showed support on Instagram for Alyssa Thomas, who was suspended for one game for punching Caitlin Clark in the throat.

She included a quote from Michelle Obama’s 2016 DNC speech: “When they go low, we go high”

The full quote… pic.twitter.com/tEQ3VEuSfm

— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) June 26, 2026

Mercury coach facing backlash after Caitlin Clark-Alyssa Thomas incident

The fans on social media, however, were not at all pleased by Toliver’s post. They called out the former WNBA star-turned-coach for stirring the pot.

“She should be fired and the Phoenix Mercury should be fine hundreds of thousands of dollars. How is this acceptable. They are a second class worthless organization,” demanded an angry X user.

“Misquoting Michele Obama – classy,” another said.

“Lmao, yea…that’s what she did. She didn’t ‘stoop to her level and went high.’ You even have people in positions of power and authority (a WNBA coach) encouraging this behavior. Absolutely ridiculous,” a comment read.

“She went low and high. Groin and throat. WTF is that coach talking about,” a fan wrote.

“If I was the head of the Phoenix Mercury she wouldn’t have a job today. Condoning violence is unacceptable, no matter who you are or what your job is. Not firing her speaks volumes about their team and management,” said another.

“So this was intentional. Coach Toliver and Thomas should be removed from WNBA For the rest of the year. And owner should be fined. This was an organized attack on a player. Engelbert has to do more than a one game suspension,” declared a reader.

Toliver played 14seasons in the WNBA before transitioning into coaching. She was a three-time All-Star and the 2012 Most Improved Player. The 5-foot-7 guard was also selected to the All-WNBA second team that year.

Toliver won a WNBA title with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2016. She became a two-time champion in 2019 after helping lead the Washington Mystics to the title.

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Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/mercury-post-wnba-caitlin-clark-decision-tolliver/