News Summary
The NYPD is investigating a troubling incident during a WNBA game, where a man threw a sex toy, injuring a 12-year-old girl. The event took place during the New York Liberty’s game against the Dallas Wings and has raised serious concerns about safety at sports events. Witnesses reported the girl’s distress after being hit, prompting the NYPD to release suspect images. This incident is part of a disturbing trend of disorderly conduct at various WNBA games, leading to calls for increased security measures and a response from the league regarding safety protocols.
New York City – The New York Police Department (NYPD) is actively searching for a man who threw a sex toy during a WNBA game, injuring a 12-year-old girl in the process. The incident took place during the New York Liberty’s match against the Dallas Wings at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on August 5. As a result of this reckless act, the young girl was struck in the right leg, causing her pain. Fortunately, she did not require hospitalization.
Witnesses reported that the girl screamed and appeared distressed for approximately 30 seconds following the strike. The NYPD has since released photographs and video footage of a male suspect described as wearing a “Beavis and Butt-Head” T-shirt paired with an Ohio State cap. Investigators are urging anyone with information on the incident to come forward.
The shocking event is part of a disturbing trend, as authorities have noted similar instances of disorderliness during WNBA games across the country over the past few weeks. The first reported incident occurred on July 29 during a game between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream in College Park, Georgia. Additional cases of objects being thrown took place in cities such as Phoenix, Chicago, and Los Angeles. In connection with these disturbances, two individuals were arrested in Georgia and Phoenix.
Responding to these incidents, a WNBA spokesperson has emphasized the league’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all attendees at gaming arenas. The league is working alongside law enforcement to identify and take appropriate actions against individuals involved in these offenses. The troubling events have sparked concern among players and coaches, prompting calls for enhanced security measures at venues.
In an alarming twist, some creators of cryptomeme coins have publicly taken responsibility for the acts of throwing sex toys at various games. They asserted that these actions are part of a protest against what they describe as the “toxic” environment within the cryptocurrency sector. This claim has drawn additional scrutiny as it intertwines distinct issues within the realm of sports and digital finance.
Players and coaches have criticized the incidents for being both dangerous and disrespectful, expressing a collective outrage regarding the current security protocols in place at arenas. Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve has pointed out that these occurrences not only threaten safety but also reflect a broader societal issue regarding the sexualization of women, which ultimately detracts from the integrity of women’s sports.
Liberty forward Isabelle Harrison has echoed the need for improved security at arenas, highlighting the potential danger posed by projectiles thrown onto the court. The incident has raised serious concerns about the respect and credibility of the league, with many in the sport questioning how such actions can take place in professional environments.
As the NYPD continues to investigate this and other related incidents, the WNBA and its affiliates remain focused on ensuring a safe and respectful atmosphere for all fans, players, and personnel. The urgency surrounding this matter highlights the ongoing challenges faced in maintaining the integrity of professional sporting events, as well as the critical need for viable solutions to safeguard attendees from disruptive behavior.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- NBC News
- Wikipedia: Women’s National Basketball Association
- NBC Philadelphia
- Google Search: WNBA security incidents
- Fox 5 NY
- Google Scholar: WNBA player security
- ABC 7 NY
- Encyclopedia Britannica: WNBA history
- PIX11
- Google News: 12 year old girl struck toy WNBA

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