WNBA players have expressed their frustration following a second incident this week where a sex toy was thrown onto the court during a game. The latest occurrence took place on March 15, 2024, during the third quarter of the Golden State Valkyries’ 73-66 victory over the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. The object, a bright green sex toy, landed just out of bounds beneath one of the baskets, prompting a halt in play as officials dealt with the situation.
Following the incident, Sky center Elizabeth Williams voiced her displeasure to reporters, stating, “It’s super disrespectful. I don’t really get the point of it. It’s really immature. Whoever’s doing it just needs to grow up.” This incident marked the second time in less than a week that a game was disrupted in this manner, as another sex toy had been thrown onto the court during the Valkyries’ previous game against the Atlanta Dream on March 12, 2024, at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia, which the Valkyries won 77-75.
The repeated disruptions have sparked outrage among players throughout the league. Isabelle Harrison, a forward for the New York Liberty, took to social media to address the incidents, urging arena security to take greater responsibility. “ARENA SECURITY?! Hello??!” she wrote on X. “Please do better. It’s not funny. Never was funny. Throwing ANYTHING on the court is so dangerous.”
In a similar vein, Sophie Cunningham, a guard for the Indiana Fever, expressed her concern for player safety. “Stop throwing dildos on the court… you’re going to hurt one of us,” she remarked, highlighting the potential risks involved when objects are thrown onto the playing surface.
As reactions continue to pour in from players and fans alike, the WNBA has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incidents. The league is known for its commitment to player safety and sportsmanship, making the occurrence of such disruptive behavior all the more concerning.
The incidents have raised serious questions about crowd control and the responsibility of arena security during games. With the WNBA gaining increased visibility and support, the potential for disruptions must be addressed to ensure a safe and respectful environment for players and fans.
As the season progresses, it remains to be seen how the league will respond to these challenges and what measures will be implemented to prevent future occurrences. The players have made it clear that respect and safety should be paramount in the game they love.
