Los Angeles, August 7, 2025
News Summary
Multiple incidents involving sex toys being thrown onto WNBA courts have alarmed officials and players. The latest occurred during a game in Los Angeles, prompting strong reactions from players and criticism from coaches. The league is taking measures to ensure player safety by imposing strict penalties for such disruptive behavior. Similar occurrences in other cities have also heightened scrutiny on fan conduct during games. The WNBA emphasizes creating a safe environment for players and spectators while addressing these alarming trends.
Los Angeles – A series of disruptive incidents involving sex toys being thrown onto the courts during WNBA games has raised significant concern among league officials and players. The most recent incident occurred on August 1, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles during a game between the Los Angeles Sparks and the Indiana Fever.
During the game, a green sex toy landed remarkably close to Fever guard Sophie Cunningham while play was ongoing, with 2:05 remaining in the second quarter. This unexpected event drew surprising reactions from players and fans alike. Sparks guard Kelsey Plum responded by kicking the toy into the stands, while the Sparks’ head coach, Lynne Roberts, criticized the act strongly, labeling it as “ridiculous,” “dumb,” and “stupid.” Roberts emphasized player safety as a primary concern, expressing that such actions jeopardize the well-being of those on the court.
Earlier in the week, on July 29, a similar situation unfolded during a game between the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries, where a fan named Delbert Carver was arrested for incoherent behavior that led to the disturbance. Carver has since faced multiple charges, including disorderly conduct, public indecency, and criminal trespass. In addition, an incident also occurred in Chicago on the same day as the Los Angeles game where a sex toy was thrown, although it was swiftly removed by officials without further escalation.
In other locations such as Phoenix and New York, reports indicate that green sex toys were tossed, but these did not reach the court area. However, one incidence at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn raised alarms after a toy landed near a child, which has heightened scrutiny regarding fan behavior in arenas.
Following these occurrences, Cunningham took to social media to humorously remark on her earlier request for fans to cease tossing toys onto the court, while also reiterating that such moments could lead to potential injuries. This shows an alarming precedent of unruly behavior that could have serious implications for both player safety and the enjoyment of the game.
The WNBA has responded proactively to these disturbances by emphasizing that the safety and well-being of everyone—players, officials, and fans—within the arenas is their top priority. The league has established strict consequences for individuals who engage in this behavior, including immediate ejection and a minimum one-year ban from attending games. Local authorities are also involved, and those caught could face legal charges related to disorderly conduct.
As the WNBA continues to evolve and grow in popularity, incidents like these pose challenges that must be addressed to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all involved. It is essential for fans to understand the impact of their actions and the importance of maintaining an environment conducive to enjoying high-level women’s basketball.
FAQ
What happened during the recent WNBA games?
Multiple incidents occurred where sex toys were thrown onto the courts at WNBA games, notably in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, Phoenix, and New York.
What actions have been taken by the WNBA in response to these incidents?
The WNBA has emphasized player safety and established penalties including immediate ejection and a minimum one-year ban for offenders.
Who was involved in the incidents?
Players like Sophie Cunningham and Kelsey Plum were involved in reacting to the thrown objects, while a fan named Delbert Carver was arrested in Atlanta for disorderly behavior.
Why is this a concern for the WNBA?
These incidents pose threats to player safety and can disrupt the enjoyment of the game for players and fans alike, leading to serious consequences.
| Date | Location | Incident | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 1, 2025 | Los Angeles | Green sex toy thrown during Sparks vs. Fever game | Prompt response by players; criticism from coach |
| July 29, 2025 | Atlanta | Fan arrested after throwing a sex toy | Charges pressed for disorderly conduct |
| July 29, 2025 | Chicago | Sex toy thrown during Golden State vs. Sky game | Quick removal by officials |
| Various Dates | Phoenix, New York | Green sex toys thrown but not reaching the court | No direct consequences reported |
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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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