WNBA players have expressed their frustration after a second incident this week involving a sex toy being thrown onto the court, causing a disruption 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 toy, landed just out of bounds beneath one of the baskets, prompting officials to pause the game while the item was removed.
Elizabeth Williams, center for the Chicago Sky, shared her thoughts on the incident, calling it “super disrespectful.” She added, “I don’t really get the point of it. It’s really immature. Whoever’s doing it just needs to grow up.” Williams’s remarks reflect a growing sentiment among players regarding the repeated nature of these disruptions.
This latest incident follows a similar occurrence just three days prior, when another sex toy was thrown onto the court during the Valkyries’ 77-75 win against the Atlanta Dream at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. The recurrence of these incidents has raised concerns among players about safety and respect within the sport.
Social media has become a platform for players to voice their displeasure. Isabelle Harrison, forward for the New York Liberty, took to X to call for better security, stating, “ARENA SECURITY?! Hello??! Please do better. It’s not funny. Never was funny. Throwing ANYTHING on the court is so dangerous.”
Similarly, Sophie Cunningham, guard for the Indiana Fever, echoed the frustration, urging fans to stop this behavior, emphasizing, “Stop throwing dildos on the court… you’re going to hurt one of us.” The collective outcry from these players highlights the seriousness of the issue and the need for a more secure environment during games.
The WNBA has not yet publicly commented on these incidents, but the league must address the safety concerns raised by its players. As the season progresses, maintaining a respectful and secure atmosphere in arenas is essential for the well-being of athletes and fans alike.
With the visibility of these incidents, there is hope that increased awareness will lead to stronger security measures at games, ensuring that such disruptions do not tarnish the experience for players and spectators. In the world of professional sports, respect for the game and its participants must remain a top priority.
