NBA commissioner Adam Silver stated that Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has become a political football in the country. He made the comments Thursday during the CNBC x Boardroom summit in New York City.
Silver declined to confirm a report that he influenced WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert to suspend Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas. The suspension followed an incident during the Fever's June 22 loss to the Mercury in which Thomas put her fist on Clark's throat.
The league later assessed a Flagrant 2 foul and suspended Thomas for one game. Thomas received death threats and online abuse after the event.
Silver emphasized that the issues surrounding Clark extend beyond officiating. He described her as an incredible player and person who wants to focus on improving her game.
During a Tuesday press conference at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Silver said he was pleased with the WNBA's current state but remained non-committal on Engelbert's future.
