News Summary
The WNBA has encountered multiple unsettling incidents where fans have thrown sex toys onto the court during games. These actions, occurring in various cities, have raised safety concerns among players and officials, prompting the league to take action. The league emphasizes the importance of player safety and the integrity of the sport, leading to stricter measures against inappropriate fan behavior, including ejections and bans. The series of events has drawn legal attention and heightened discussions around sportsmanship and respect at sporting events.
Los Angeles, CA — WNBA Faces Multiple Incidents of Fans Tossing Sex Toys onto Courts
The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has recently experienced a series of disturbing incidents involving fans throwing sex toys onto game courts across different cities. These occurrences have raised safety concerns among players, league officials, and local authorities, prompting the league to implement stricter measures to protect everyone in the arenas.
Latest Incident at Crypto.com Arena
The most recent event took place on August 1, 2025, during a game between the Los Angeles Sparks and Indiana Fever at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. During the second quarter of the game, with 2 minutes and 5 seconds remaining, a green sex toy was hurled onto the court and landed near Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham. The player appeared visibly surprised and cautious following the incident. Sparks guard Kelsey Plum responded by kicking the object into the stands.
Following this event, Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts publicly condemned the act, describing it as “ridiculous,” “dumb,” and “stupid.” She emphasized the importance of maintaining player safety and ensuring a respectful environment for fans and players alike. Cunningham, who had previously voiced concerns about fan behavior on social media, made a humorous remark online referencing her earlier plea for fans to refrain from throwing objects during games.
Previous Incidents and Legal Actions
Although the Los Angeles incident is the latest, it is part of a troubling pattern involving multiple cities. In Atlanta, a sex toy was thrown during a game between the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries. A fan identified as Delbert Carver was quickly arrested and charged with several offenses, including disorderly conduct, public indecency, and criminal trespass. Carver’s actions prompted further legal scrutiny and discussions about fan conduct at sports venues.
Another incident occurred on July 29 during a game between the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries, where Carver was also involved and faced similar charges. The frequent recurrence of these incidents has raised concerns about overall fan behavior and the league’s ability to enforce proper conduct standards.
Other Locations and Disturbances
On August 1, a separate event took place in Chicago during a Golden State versus Chicago Sky game. Reportedly, a sex toy was thrown onto the court but was promptly removed by game officials before causing any disruption. In addition, reports from Phoenix and New York indicated that green sex toys were also thrown into arenas; however, these objects did not reach the playing surface. Notably, during an incident at the Barclays Center, a sex toy landed near a child in the stands, raising additional safety concerns about bystanders’ protection.
League Response and Measures
The WNBA has issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to the safety and well-being of players, staff, and fans. The league has announced that strict consequences will be enforced for those caught throwing objects onto the court, including immediate ejection and a minimum one-year ban from attending future games. These measures aim to deter similar actions and uphold the integrity of the sport.
Law enforcement authorities have also become involved, with individuals engaged in throwing objects potentially facing criminal charges. The league’s cooperation with local police reflects the seriousness of the issue and the necessity of ensuring a safe environment for all.
Background and Broader Context
The incidents align with increasing concerns regarding fan behavior at sporting events across various leagues. While fans are encouraged to support teams enthusiastically, actions that jeopardize safety and respect are being met with stern consequences. The league’s emphasis on safety protocols underscores its commitment to maintaining a positive environment and preventing future disruptions.
As investigations continue, the league plans to review security measures and implement additional protocols aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future. These events serve as a stark reminder of the importance of sportsmanship and respect in professional sports settings.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- CNN
- Google Search: WNBA sex toy incidents
- CBS Sports
- Google Scholar: WNBA fan behavior
- USA Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: WNBA
- ESPN
- Google News: WNBA fan thrown sex toy
- New York Post
- Sportico
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