An 18-year-old from Arizona, Kaden Lopez, was arrested for throwing a sex toy into the crowd during a Phoenix Mercury game against the Connecticut Sun, marking a troubling trend of similar incidents at WNBA events. This occurrence is the fourth case of its kind reported within a two-week span.
Lopez faces charges including disorderly conduct and assault after the object struck both a man and his 9-year-old niece at PHX Arena. Video evidence captured Lopez retrieving the item from his sweater and throwing it, after which he attempted to leave the vicinity. A bystander intervened, tackling Lopez until law enforcement arrived.
Lopez expressed remorse, attributing his actions to a reckless trend he saw on social media. He claimed that he intended to bring the toy to the game for a joke and did not aim to hit anyone or endanger a child. The victim, alongside the WNBA and PHX Arena, called for charges to be pressed against Lopez.
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office decided not to pursue the felony charge related to the public display of explicit material, but they are recommending that the other misdemeanor charges be forwarded to the city prosecutor. Lopez was released with conditions barring him from returning to the arena or contacting the victims, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 25.
A spokesperson for the WNBA emphasized that the safety of fans and players is of utmost importance, stating that anyone who throws objects onto the court or seating areas risks ejection, a minimum one-year ban, and potential legal action.
This incident is part of a wider pattern involving irresponsible behavior during WNBA games. Recent weeks have seen multiple fans arrested in connection with throwing similar objects. Notably, one incident involved a fan in Georgia who filmed himself throwing a sex toy, claiming it was a joke intended to go viral.
With safety measures at the forefront, the league’s response highlights a commitment to maintaining a secure environment for all attendees. While these incidents may appear trivial, they raise concerns about fan behavior and its impact on the enjoyment of live sports events.