UPDATE: A shocking incident unfolded during the WNBA game between the Sparks and Indiana Fever at Crypto.com Arena on July 30, 2023, as a neon green sex toy was thrown onto the court, disrupting play and raising safety concerns. The bizarre event occurred with just 2:05 remaining in the second quarter, landing in the paint near Fever guard Sophie Cunningham.
As the crowd reacted with boos, Sparks guard Kelsey Plum swiftly kicked the object off the floor, prompting security to rush into the stands to identify the culprit. “I think it’s ridiculous, it’s dumb, it’s stupid,” said Sparks coach Lynne Roberts, emphasizing player safety and respect for the game. Meanwhile, Cunningham, who was seen laughing after the incident, had previously voiced concerns on social media about the trend, stating it could “hurt one of us.”
Adding to the urgency, this incident marks at least the fourth occurrence of fans throwing sex toys onto the court in under two weeks. Just last Friday, a similar object disrupted a game in Chicago, and on July 30, a green sex toy landed near the court during a game in Atlanta, leading to a fan’s arrest and a one-year ban from WNBA arenas.
The WNBA has condemned these actions, stating, “The safety and well-being of everyone in our arenas is a top priority for our league.” The league reiterated that throwing objects onto the court is a violation of both league policy and local laws, with offenders facing immediate ejection and potential prosecution.
Plum noted, “We did a great job, Indiana included, just playing it off,” highlighting the resilience of players in the face of disruption. Post-game, Cunningham shared her thoughts on the incident with a social media post captioned, “this did NOT age well,” further underlining the ongoing concerns surrounding fan behavior at WNBA games.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the individual responsible for throwing the toy was located or ejected from the arena, leaving fans and players alike on edge about potential repercussions. As the WNBA faces mounting issues with fan conduct, the league is urged to enhance security measures to ensure player and spectator safety in future games.
The Sparks ultimately secured a victory over the Fever, but this incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing professional sports in maintaining a respectful and safe environment. Fans are encouraged to be mindful and respectful to ensure that games remain enjoyable for all.
