The Mercury organization expressed frustration regarding the investigation procedure, with players highlighting the heavy online backlash Thomas received during the suspension process.
"We're with AT," said Kahleah Copper, Phoenix Mercury forward.
Copper accumulated 28 points on Wednesday and 27 points on Saturday to secure victories for the 7-13 Mercury, who currently sit 12th out of 15 teams in the WNBA standings.
"We just wish it would have been handled the right way. We wish somebody also called her and checked on her and made sure that she was OK.
I don't think it played out how it should have professionally," stated Copper.
Tibbetts asserted that the league bypassed standard investigation protocol by relying on social media reactions rather than interviewing the individuals involved.
"This was not a thorough investigation," said Tibbetts.
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The head coach noted that the live broadcast missed the contact, but alternative angles circulating on digital media platforms heavily influenced the league's swift ruling.
"The people involved were not questioned at all. It's extremely disappointing.
No one from the league called AT, our security team or myself about what we felt like happened in this situation.
There is a protocol to be followed," stated Tibbetts.
Tibbetts cautioned that targeting decisions based on a player's star power, background, or social media traction establishes a dangerous precedent for future league officiating.
"The goal is to clean up our game, but I do think it's important not to rely on social media screenshots.
