The WNBA has experienced a recurring issue of spectators throwing sex toys onto the court during live games, leading to two arrests and an ongoing problem that shows no signs of stopping
A once one-off event of a neon green sex toy being hurled onto a WNBA court has escalated into a troubling and disturbing trend in less than two weeks, with one player hit, a child nearly injured, and two fans now in handcuffs.
What started as a single shocking moment during a Golden State Valkyries game has morphed into a weirdly dangerous epidemic sweeping through WNBA arenas. Four confirmed incidents and a near-disaster occurred, each affecting the respective game in unique ways.
Each incident involved the same bright neon green sex toy disrupting WNBA games, sparking online backlash, and forcing league officials to address and even even impose a ban.
The WNBA’s Fan Code of Conduct states, “Guests who engage in fighting, throwing objects, or attempting to enter the court will be immediately ejected from the arena.” It also notes that, “Guests will enjoy the basketball experience free from disruptive behavior, including foul or abusive language and obscene gestures.”
While the rules are in plain text on the league’s website, they have been broken several times across eight days.
Here’s each reported incident that has seen a WNBA player impacted by incidents involving objects being thrown at the players.
Golden State Valkyries @ Atlanta Dream
Incident: With just 42.5 seconds left in the fourth quarter, cameras captured the moment an unexpected object skidded across the court, which turned out to be a neon green adult sex toy after broadcast cameras zoomed in to determine the object. A broadcaster audibly gasped, calling it “a first.”
Aftermath: Fox reported that the suspect, later identified as a 23-year-old, was arrested at the scene and later booked into Clayton County Jail on charges such as disorderly conduct, indecent exposure, and trespassing. He was released the following Sunday with the case pending.
The league responded firmly, reminding fans of its Code of Conduct, but things only worsened.
Golden State Valkries vs Chicago Sky
Incident: Three days later, another bright green object landed on the hardwood during a Valkyries’ game, this time against the Chicago Sky. The toy skidded under the Sky’s basket mid-play, forcing referees to pause the game.
A team staffer wrapped the object in a towel and sprinted it off the court, and the moment instantly went viral. Fans couldn’t believe a second occurrence. Some fans laughed, but the players did not.
Aftermath: Indiana Fever star shooter Sophie Cunningham caught wind of the incident and begged fans to “stop throwing sex dildos on the floor,” because “someone could get hurt.”
The online sports book BetOnline was criticized for releasing dildo odds and prop bets, and its likelihood to continue throughout the league.
Dallas Wings vs New York Liberty
Incident: At Barclays Center, a crowd of over 17,000 people watched the Dallas Wings take on the New York Liberty when fans noticed another green toy in the corner stands. It never reached the court, but TikTok videos showed fans gasping and covering their mouths as security removed it.
Aftermath: The toy had reportedly landed inches away from a child wearing a Jonquel Jones jersey. The Liberty reportedly declined to comment, but the incident produced an outcry online.
Indiana Fever vs Los Angeles Sparks
Incident: That same night, Cunningham, the very player who spoke out, was struck by the same object during the second quarter of the Fever’s game against the Sparks. Kelsey Plum kicked it away in frustration as the game continued.
Aftermath: Cunningham addressed the incident online afterward and quote-tweeted her original post with, “this did NOT age well.” Players around the league began calling for serious consequences should the occurrence continue.
Incident: The neon green sex toy didnt reach the floor this time, but it allegedly struck a man and his nine-year-old niece in the stands during the Mercury vs. Connecticut Sun game.
Aftermath: Yahoo Sports reported that security detained an 18-year-old, who later admitted to authorities that he threw the toy after seeing others do it online.
He was booked on charges of disorderly conduct, assault, and displaying sexually explicit material in public.
Leave a Reply