News Summary
The Women’s National Basketball Association is grappling with unsettling incidents of fans throwing sex toys onto the court during games. Recent occurrences, particularly at Crypto.com Arena, have intensified concerns over player safety and fan behavior. Notable incidents involved a disruption during a match between the Los Angeles Sparks and Indiana Fever, where player Sophie Cunningham expressed her dismay on social media after a toy landed near her. The league is enforcing stricter policies to ensure the safety of players and spectators, amidst a growing discussion around acceptable conduct at sporting events.
Los Angeles – A troubling trend has emerged in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) as fans have begun tossing sex toys onto the courts during games. This series of incidents has raised serious concerns regarding player safety and fan behavior, and most recently occurred on August 1, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena during a matchup between the Los Angeles Sparks and Indiana Fever.
During the second quarter of the game, at the 2:05 mark, a green sex toy unexpectedly landed near Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, prompting disbelief from both players and spectators. Sparks guard Kelsey Plum reacted by kicking the toy back into the stands, a gesture reflecting the absurdity of the situation. Following the incident, Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts expressed strong disapproval of such actions, labeling them as “ridiculous,” “dumb,” and “stupid,” and reaffirming that player safety remains a top priority for the organization.
Prior to this latest episode, Cunningham had voiced her concerns on social media about the increasing incidence of objects being thrown onto the court, highlighting the potential risks that such behavior poses to athletes. Reflecting on her previous warnings, Cunningham humorously commented on social media after the incident, reiterating her plea for fans to refrain from throwing toys.
Earlier in the week, two incidents were reported during games involving the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries. A fan named Delbert Carver was arrested and charged for disorderly conduct, public indecency, and criminal trespass during a game, highlighting the serious consequences of such disruptive actions. Additionally, during a game on August 1 in Chicago, a sex toy was thrown onto the court, but officials quickly removed it. Similar reports indicated that green sex toys were also thrown in Phoenix and New York, although they did not reach the playing area.
In one noteworthy incident at the Barclays Center, a sex toy landed alarmingly close to a child in the audience, raising further concerns about safety in these environments. The WNBA has stressed that the safety and well-being of everyone in their arenas is paramount and has enforced strict policies to discourage such behaviors. Fans caught throwing objects onto the court can expect immediate ejection from the venue, along with a minimum one-year ban from future games.
Moreover, local authorities are also involved, as individuals could face legal repercussions for their actions. The league’s initiatives to uphold decorum and player safety illustrate a robust approach to maintaining a positive atmosphere in WNBA games. As these disturbing incidents continue to unfold, discussions about fan behavior, respect for players, and safe environments at sporting events have become increasingly relevant.
As the WNBA prepares to address this ongoing issue, it is essential for fans to play a role in fostering a respectful and safe environment conducive to both athletes and fellow spectators. The continued reports of fans tossing sex toys onto the courts serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining decorum at sporting events and ensuring that the safety of players is not compromised.
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HERE Resources
Neon Green Toy Disrupts WNBA Game, Raises Safety Concerns
Additional Resources
- CNN
- Google Search: WNBA sex toy incidents
- CBS Sports
- Google Scholar: WNBA fan behavior
- USA Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: WNBA
- ESPN
- Google News: WNBA fan thrown sex toy
- New York Post
- Sportico
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