Sex Toy Disrupts WNBA Game for Third Time in a Week

A WNBA game between the Indiana Fever and the Los Angeles Sparks was interrupted on March 12, 2024, when a sex toy was thrown onto the court at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. This incident marked the third occurrence of such disruptions in just a week. The object landed near Fever player Sophie Cunningham, who had previously expressed her feelings on social media regarding fans throwing toys onto the court.

The incident occurred with 2:05 left in the second quarter. Kelsey Plum of the Sparks responded by kicking the toy into the stands. Cunningham was seen laughing as she approached the Sparks bench after the event.

Recent Trends and Safety Concerns

This incident follows a series of similar occurrences in the WNBA. Just days earlier, another sex toy was thrown during a game in New York, landing near a child but not reaching the court. The first incident of this unusual trend took place on March 5, 2024, during the final minutes of a game between the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Warriors in College Park, Georgia. In that case, the alleged perpetrator, Delbert Carver, was arrested and faces charges including disorderly conduct and public indecency.

Another incident occurred on March 8, 2024, during a game in Chicago, where a sex toy was thrown under a basket after play was stopped. An official kicked the object aside, and it was subsequently removed from the court. It remains unclear whether the fan responsible for this act faced any legal repercussions.

The WNBA has issued a statement emphasizing the importance of safety within arenas. “The safety and well-being of everyone in our arenas is a top priority for our league,” the statement read. “Objects of any kind thrown onto the court or in the seating area can pose a safety risk for players, game officials, and fans.”

The league has made it clear that fans who intentionally throw objects onto the court will be ejected immediately. In addition to being banned for a minimum of one year, they may also face arrest and prosecution by local authorities.

As this trend continues to gain attention, the focus remains on ensuring that the integrity of the game is maintained and that the safety of players and fans is not compromised. The league’s swift response to these incidents underscores its commitment to maintaining a respectful and safe environment at its events.