WNBA Players Demand Action After 'Adult Toys' Hit Court
Sophie Cunningham 2023. Photo courtesy of John Mac under CC BY-SA 2.0.
For the third time in about 10 days, a neon green adult bedroom toy has crashed onto a WNBA court, turning what should be a professional basketball game into a bizarre circus act. The latest incident unfolded during a heated matchup between the Indiana Fever and the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena, where the flying object nearly struck Fever star Sophie Cunningham. This strange and unsettling trend began in Atlanta, popped up again in Chicago, and now has players and coaches demanding serious consequences. What started as a prank has spiraled into a humiliating spectacle that highlights the ongoing disrespect female athletes face.
A Bizarre and Dangerous Trend
The saga kicked off in late July during a game between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream. A neon green dildo was reportedly thrown onto the court, bouncing dangerously close to players and officials. Just days later, a similar incident occurred during a Valkyries game against the Chicago Sky, where the sex toy landed out of bounds but still disrupted play. Now, the third incident in about 10 days happened in Los Angeles, where the object nearly hit Sophie Cunningham as Indiana prepared to inbound the ball late in the second quarter. Sparks star Kelsey Plum was quick to kick the object off the court, but the message was clear: this is no longer a harmless prank.
The New York Liberty also experienced a close call when a sex toy was reportedly thrown during their game against the Wings, though it did not reach the court. Videos of these incidents have gone viral on social media, amplifying the embarrassment and safety concerns surrounding the stunt.
Players Speak Out Against the Outrage
WNBA players have not taken these incidents lightly. Sophie Cunningham, who was nearly hit in the latest stunt, publicly called for an end to the dangerous behavior, warning that someone could get seriously hurt, as reported by the New York Post. Cunningham's frustration echoes that of many players who feel their safety and professionalism are being undermined by immature and disrespectful fans.
Elizabeth Williams, center for the Chicago Sky, described the act as "super disrespectful" and "immature" during a postgame press conference. She questioned the point of such behavior and urged those responsible to "grow up", as reported by The Guardian. Williams' comments reflect a growing impatience among players who are tired of being the targets of such antics.
Isabelle Harrison of the New York Liberty expressed her dismay on social media, demanding better arena security and emphasizing the danger of throwing any objects onto the court. Harrison pointed out that this is not just a joke but a serious safety issue that players should not have to deal with during games, adding, "I'm just really over it, and I know other players are over it," according to the New York Post.
Arrests and Legal Consequences
The bizarre trend has also led to legal action. A 23-year-old fan named Delbert Carver was reportedly arrested in connection with the first incident in Atlanta. He allegedly faces multiple charges, including disorderly conduct, public indecency, and criminal trespass. According to police affidavits cited by Cosmopolitan, Carver admitted the stunt was "supposed to be a joke" intended to go viral, but the consequences of his actions are far from funny.
Despite this arrest, no suspects have been identified in the subsequent incidents in Chicago and Los Angeles, leaving players and officials frustrated and calling for increased security measures to prevent further disruptions.
More Than Just a Prank: A Sign of Deeper Issues
While some may dismiss these incidents as frat-boy trolling or juvenile pranks, many players and commentators see a darker undercurrent. The act of throwing adult toys onto the court during women's professional basketball games sends a clear message of disrespect. It reduces the athletes' hard work and skill to a joke centered on their sexuality rather than their athleticism. This perspective has been expressed by several players who emphasize the disrespect and safety concerns involved.
Calls for Solidarity and Action
WNBA players and coaches are urging the NBA and arena security teams to take these incidents seriously. Sparks coach Lynne Roberts called the behavior "ridiculous" and dangerous, emphasizing that it threatens the safety of players and disrupts the integrity of the game, as reported by Cosmopolitan.
There are also calls from WNBA players, coaches, and commentators for NBA players to stand in solidarity with their female counterparts and publicly condemn the behavior. While no direct quotes from NBA players have been reported, this call for unity aims to help curb the disrespectful trend and send a message that such actions will not be tolerated in professional sports.
The Bigger Picture: Respect and Safety in Women's Sports
The repeated incidents of sex toys being thrown onto WNBA courts are more than just isolated pranks. They highlight ongoing issues of respect, safety, and equality in women's sports. Players should be able to compete without fear of being targeted by dangerous and humiliating stunts.
As the WNBA continues to grow in popularity and influence, it is crucial for leagues, teams, and fans to foster an environment of professionalism and respect. This means cracking down on disruptive behavior, improving security, and supporting players who bravely speak out against such antics.
For fans, it is a reminder that sportsmanship extends beyond the players on the court. Respecting athletes means respecting their space, their safety, and their dignity. The WNBA deserves nothing less.
The green chaos of flying adult toys may have started as a shocking stunt, but it has evolved into a serious issue that demands attention. The question now is whether the league and its fans will rise to the occasion or let this circus continue.
References: More sex toys get thrown at Liberty, Fever games | Why Are People Throwing Dildos at WNBA Games? | 'Not funny': sex toy tossed on WNBA court for second time this week | WNBA | The Guardian
