WNBA Players Express Outrage After Second Sex Toy Incident
WNBA players have voiced their frustration following a second incident this week involving a sex toy being thrown onto the court during a game. The latest occurrence took place on March 15, 2024, during the third quarter of the Golden State Valkyries’ 73-66 victory over the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. A bright green toy was tossed from the stands, landing just out of bounds beneath one of the baskets. The game was paused as officials dealt with the situation, with one referee kicking the object aside before it was subsequently removed with a towel.
“It’s super disrespectful,” said Elizabeth Williams, center for the Chicago Sky, in a post-game interview. She expressed her disbelief at the behavior, calling it “immature” and suggesting that those responsible need to “grow up.”
This incident follows closely on the heels of a similar event that occurred just three days earlier. During a game on March 12, 2024, the Valkyries faced the Atlanta Dream at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia, where another sex toy was thrown onto the court. The Valkyries won that game 77-75.
The recurrence of such incidents has drawn significant backlash from players across the league. Isabelle Harrison, forward for the New York Liberty, took to social media to address the situation, stating, “ARENA SECURITY?! Hello??! Please do better. It’s not funny. Never was funny. Throwing ANYTHING on the court is so dangerous.”
Echoing Harrison’s sentiments, Sophie Cunningham, guard for the Indiana Fever, urged fans to reconsider their actions, emphasizing, “Stop throwing dildos on the court… you’re going to hurt one of us.” The players’ remarks highlight the serious implications of such disruptions, not only for the athletes but also for the overall safety of the game.
The WNBA has yet to release an official statement regarding these incidents, but the players’ reactions underscore the need for improved security measures to prevent further occurrences. In a league where respect and professionalism are paramount, the actions of a few individuals have sparked a larger conversation about fan behavior and the importance of maintaining a respectful environment during sporting events.
As the league continues its season, it remains to be seen how these incidents will impact both the players and the fans, but the call for accountability and respect resonates strongly among the WNBA community.
