Unruly Fans Disrupt WNBA Games with Sex Toy Incidents
A disruptive incident occurred during a WNBA game on March 5, 2024, when a sex toy was thrown onto the court at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. This marked the third such occurrence within a week, highlighting a troubling trend of inappropriate fan behavior at women’s basketball events. The toy landed near Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham with just over two minutes remaining in the second quarter.
Cunningham, who has openly discussed the issue on social media, reacted with humor as she approached the Sparks bench, laughing about the situation. Kelsey Plum of the Las Vegas Aces, who was also present, promptly kicked the object into the stands.
Recent Incidents Raise Concerns
This latest incident follows two others that took place earlier in the week. A similar object was reportedly thrown during a game in New York, landing near a child but not reaching the court. The first occurrence happened on February 29, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia, during a match between the Dream and the Golden State Warriors. The alleged perpetrator, Delbert Carver, was arrested for disorderly conduct, public indecency, and criminal trespass following the event.
The incident in Chicago on March 1, 2024, saw a sex toy thrown onto the court after a whistle was blown in the third quarter of the Golden State versus Sky game. An official removed the object before play resumed. It remains unclear whether the individual responsible for this incident faced any legal consequences.
League’s Response to Disruptions
The WNBA has taken a firm stance against such behavior, emphasizing the safety of players, officials, and fans. In a statement, the league noted, “The safety and well-being of everyone in our arenas is a top priority for our league. Objects of any kind thrown onto the court or in the seating area can pose a safety risk for players, game officials, and fans.”
As part of their security measures, the league announced that any fan who throws an object onto the court will face immediate ejection, a minimum one-year ban from the venue, and potential arrest by local authorities.
The incidents have sparked discussions on social media and among fans regarding the appropriateness of such actions and the need for stricter enforcement of conduct during games. As the WNBA continues to grow in popularity, maintaining a respectful and safe environment for all attendees becomes increasingly crucial.
