News Summary
The WNBA is dealing with a growing number of disruptive incidents, including fans throwing sex toys onto the court during games. The latest event happened during a match in Los Angeles, sparking outrage from players and officials. This behavior has raised concerns about player safety and prompted the league to enforce stricter regulations. As similar incidents unfold in other cities, the WNBA emphasizes the importance of sportsmanship and the need for respectful conduct from fans at sporting events.
Los Angeles – The WNBA has faced a series of alarming incidents involving fans throwing sex toys onto the courts during games across several cities in the past week. The latest event occurred on August 1, 2025, during a match between the Los Angeles Sparks and Indiana Fever at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. At 2:05 left in the second quarter, a green sex toy landed near Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, leading to surprise among players, fans, and officials alike.
In response to the incident, Sparks guard Kelsey Plum kicked the toy into the stands, while Sparks coach Lynne Roberts expressed frustration over the behavior, labeling it as “ridiculous,” “dumb,” and “stupid.” The safety of players has been stressed as a significant concern, particularly following Cunningham’s prior remarks on social media urging fans to refrain from throwing objects onto the court, citing potential injury risks.
The incidents have not been limited to Los Angeles. A recent game in Atlanta between the Dream and the Golden State Valkyries also saw a fan, identified as Delbert Carver, arrested for throwing a sex toy. This event, which occurred on July 29, led to charges against Carver for disorderly conduct, public indecency, and criminal trespass. Additionally, during a game in Chicago on the same day as the Los Angeles incident, a sex toy was thrown, although officials managed to swiftly remove it from the court.
Reports indicate that similar items have also been thrown in cities such as Phoenix and New York. Although those incidents did not reach the court, one case in Brooklyn involved a toy landing close to a child in the stands, raising further concerns about crowd safety. This barrage of similar incidents has sparked a debate within the WNBA and its fan base about appropriate behavior at sporting events.
In light of these occurrences, the WNBA has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone attending games. The league has enacted strict regulations against throwing objects onto the court, which include immediate ejection from the venue and a minimum one-year ban for violators. As an additional measure, local law enforcement has been notified regarding these actions, and individuals may face criminal charges as well.
The increase in these bizarre incidents has brought to light a larger conversation surrounding fan culture in sports and the need for respect toward players, officials, and fellow fans alike. It challenges teams and leagues to continue emphasizing sportsmanship and decorum within their arenas. Additionally, it raises awareness about the serious implications such acts can have on player safety and the overall game experience.
As the WNBA moves forward, ensuring player safety and establishing a respectful environment will remain a priority. The league’s ongoing battle against disruptive behavior highlights the importance of accountability in the stands, as well as the responsibility shared among fans to maintain a positive atmosphere at games.
With multiple incidents occurring across cities in such a short time frame, fans are encouraged to reflect on their conduct at sporting events. It is essential for the integrity of the game and the safety of all those involved that such behavior is curtailed to create an enjoyable atmosphere for everyone.
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WNBA Game Disrupted by Neon Green Toy in Indianapolis
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
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
