During a game between the Indiana Fever and the Los Angeles Sparks, an unwanted incident occurred when a sex toy was thrown onto the court, landing near Fever forward Sophie Cunningham. This took place with just over two minutes left in the second quarter, drawing surprise from Cunningham, who has previously voiced her concerns on social media regarding the safety implications of such actions. Kelsey Plum, a player on the Sparks, promptly kicked the object away into the stands to minimize disruptions.
Sparks coach Lynne Roberts condemned the act as “ridiculous” and stressed the importance of respecting the game and ensuring player safety. Plum further commented on the situation, praising both teams and the referees for moving past the incident without allowing it to detract from their performance.
Cunningham, despite her initial shock, managed to find humor in the situation as she joked with the Sparks bench afterwards. Concerns about this growing trend have been echoed across the league, with reports of similar incidents in other cities. Sex toys were reportedly thrown in games held in Phoenix, New York, and Atlanta, eliciting reactions from players and authorities alike.
The WNBA has responded strongly, emphasizing that fan safety is a top priority. The league reiterated that throwing any object onto the court can lead to immediate ejection, a minimum one-year ban, and potential legal consequences. The recent incidents have raised alarms about fan behavior and player safety, calling for more respect within the sport.
This unfortunate trend, while concerning, has sparked discussions about fan behavior and the importance of maintaining a positive environment at sporting events. The league’s commitment to player safety and swift enforcement of its rules shows a dedication to protecting athletes and ensuring a respectful atmosphere at games.