Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham and other WNBA players have expressed strong concern after sex toys were thrown onto the courts during recent games, highlighting serious safety risks. The incidents took place in late July and early August during WNBA matches, prompting the league to respond with disciplinary measures.
The initial event occurred on July 29 during a matchup between the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries, when a bright green object thrown onto the court was identified as a sex toy. A similar item was thrown during the Golden State Valkyries game against the Chicago Sky three days later, briefly interrupting play as officials removed the object from near the basket.
Players demand stronger security at games
Following these unsettling events, Sophie Cunningham voiced her frustration on social media, urging fans to stop risking players‘ safety. She wrote,
Stop throwing dildos on the court… you’re going to hurt one of us.
—Sophie Cunningham, Indiana Fever guard
Similarly, New York Liberty forward Isabelle Harrison called out arena security for failing to prevent such dangerous behavior. She posted,
ARENA SECURITY?! Hello??! Please do better. It’s not funny. never was funny. Throwing ANYTHING on the court is so dangerous,
—Isabelle Harrison, New York Liberty forward
Chicago Sky center Elizabeth Williams criticized the immature nature of these actions after a game, emphasizing respect for players. She stated,
Whoever is doing it needs to grow up,
reinforcing the demand for higher standards of conduct.
WNBA’s response and consequences for offenders
The WNBA officially condemned the incidents and confirmed disciplinary steps against those involved. The league’s statement stressed,
The safety and well-being of everyone in our arenas is a top priority for our league,
and added,
Objects of any kind thrown onto the court or in the seating area can pose a safety risk for players, game officials, and fans.
According to the league’s Arena Security Standards, individuals who intentionally throw objects on the court face immediate ejection, at least a one-year ban, and possible legal action. The person responsible for the July 29 incident has been arrested and banned from WNBA events for a year, though their identity remains undisclosed. The connection between this case and the later incident has not been established publicly, and no details have been shared about the second offender.
Ongoing concerns over game-day safety measures
While the league has not announced new security protocols in response to these disruptions, players’ public outcries suggest a growing unease regarding current safety practices during WNBA games. The incidents have not only interrupted play but have also cast a shadow over the environment for athletes and fans alike, underlining the urgent need for enhanced protections.
Sophie Cunningham WNBA safety concerns remain at the forefront as players continue to call for stricter enforcement and awareness to prevent similar unacceptable behavior going forward. The league faces pressure to ensure that events prioritize the security and dignity of everyone involved.