WNBA Players Call for Action After Second Sex Toy Incident
WNBA players expressed frustration after a second incident involving a sex toy being thrown onto the court took place during a game this week. The latest incident occurred 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. As the Sky attempted to score, the bright green object landed just out of bounds under one of the baskets, prompting a stoppage in play. An official quickly kicked the toy aside, allowing it to be removed from the court with a towel.
Following the disruption, Sky center Elizabeth Williams voiced her discontent to reporters, stating, “It’s super disrespectful. I don’t really get the point of it. It’s really immature. Whoever’s doing it just needs to grow up.” This incident followed closely on the heels of another occurrence just three days earlier, when a sex toy was thrown during the Valkyries’ 77-75 win over the Atlanta Dream at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia.
The recurrence of such incidents has drawn sharp criticism from players across the league. Following Friday’s game, many took to social media to voice their concerns. Isabelle Harrison, a forward for the New York Liberty, called out arena security on X, saying, “ARENA SECURITY?! Hello??! Please do better. It’s not funny. never was funny. Throwing ANYTHING on the court is so dangerous.”
Similarly, Sophie Cunningham, a guard for the Indiana Fever, echoed Harrison’s sentiments, urging fans to refrain from throwing objects onto the court. “Stop throwing dildos on the court… you’re going to hurt one of us,” she warned in a post.
The WNBA has not yet released an official statement regarding these incidents, but the players’ reactions highlight a growing frustration with the behavior of some fans at games. As the season progresses, the league is likely to face increasing pressure to ensure the safety and respect of all athletes on the court.
The recurring nature of these incidents raises questions about security measures in place at WNBA games. Fans and players alike are calling for a more proactive approach to prevent such disruptions in the future, emphasizing that the safety and integrity of the sport must take precedence over uncalled-for antics.
This situation underscores the broader challenges facing the WNBA as it continues to grow in popularity. While the league has made significant strides in promoting women’s sports, incidents like these serve as reminders of the need for a respectful and safe environment for all involved.
