Who is Alyssa Thomas? WNBA star suspended for punching Caitlin Clark in the throat

WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark was hit in the throat during a loose-ball scramble, sparking outrage and a one-game suspension for Alyssa Thomas. Fox News' Garrett Tenney reports on the 'absolutely unacceptable' incident and the coach's reaction. Political analyst Gianno Caldwell discusses Clark's immense impact on WNBA viewership, including a $2.2 billion deal, and the role of gender and race in the controversy.

Phoenix Mercury All-Star Alyssa Thomas is the latest villain to Caitlin Clark fans after punching Clark in the throat during a game on Wednesday night.

The referees missed the punch in real time, but fans and the league office did not.

A viral clip of the punch in slow motion spread across social media, pouring gasoline on the ongoing culture war surrounding Clark’s physical treatment by opposing players, which has been a controversial issue dating back to Clark's rookie season in 2024.

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And Less than 24 hours after the incident, the WNBA slapped Thomas with a one-game suspension for what was deemed a "reckless" and "non-basketball act."

Who is the woman behind the punch?

In a 2019 interview with Nike PLAYlist, Thomas answered what sport she would have gone pro in if she didn't go pro in basketball.

"Either boxing or MMA," Thomas said.

If Thomas never went pro in any sport, she said she would have gotten into dentistry.

"Since I was a kid, I loved going to the dentist. I just was fascinated with teeth and still am. I’m passionate about that whole process of cleaning," according to a profile on WNBA.com.

Thomas was signed up to try basketball for the first time at the age of five by her mother, Tina, per the WNBA.

Thomas said she "Threw myself all down the stairs,