neon-green sex toy was thrown from the stands during a WNBA game between the Indiana Fever and the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. It landed near Fever forward Sophie Cunningham with about 2:05 left in the second quarter—marking the third such incident within seven days. The object disrupted play, prompting officials to pause the game while Sparks star Kelsey Plum quickly kicked it off the court. The game resumed shortly, and the Sparks won 100–91.
Incident Timeline: Multiple Disruptions
| Date | Game & Teams | Incident Description | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 29 | Atlanta Dream vs Golden State | Green sex toy thrown late in game from stands | Fan arrested; ejected; banned |
| August 1 (Fri) | Golden State vs Chicago Sky | Object tossed under basket; officials kicked it aside | Game paused briefly |
| August 5 | Sparks vs Fever (LA) | Toy landed near Sophie Cunningham during play | Kelsey Plum kicked it off; game resumed |
Player and League Reactions
- Sophie Cunningham, who had previously pleaded with fans to stop the behavior on social media, narrowly avoided being hit. She later laughed it off at the bench but emphasized the safety risk.
- Sparks coach Lynne Roberts called the incident “ridiculous, dumb, stupid,” stressing that safety should be paramount.
- Fever coach Stephanie White echoed the concern, noting that players come to play while fans sometimes engage in dangerous antics.
- Kelsey Plum praised both teams and officials for staying focused and not giving the distraction undue attention.
The WNBA issued a strong statement reinforcing that fan behavior posing safety threats is unacceptable. The league’s Arena Security Standards require immediate ejection and a minimum one-year ban, with possible legal punishment for offenders.
Teams’ Frustration and Player Messages
Following earlier incidents in Atlanta and Chicago, several players and commentators expressed outrage:
- Cecilia Zandalasini (Golden State Valkyries) described the behavior as “super dangerous.”
- Elizabeth Williams (Chicago Sky) branded it “super disrespectful” and urged fans to grow up.
- Isabelle Harrison, also of the Sky, lamented that such antics tarnish the WNBA’s professional image.
Sophie Cunningham’s plea—“Stop throwing… you’re going to hurt one of us.”—became a rallying cry for the league.
Legal Consequences & Fan Behavior Crackdown
- In College Park, Georgia, the fan responsible for the first incident was arrested and faces charges including disorderly conduct, public indecency, and criminal trespass.
- According to the WNBA’s policy, fans who throw objects are subject to immediate ejection, potential one‑year arena bans, loss of seating privileges, and criminal charges.
- No suspect has been publicly identified in the later incidents yet, but arenas are investigating.
Cultural Context & Viral Fallout
The bizarre streak has gone viral online, with commentators labeling the lime-green toy incidents a “trending crisis.” Comparisons were even made to old NHL traditions, like fans tossing squids onto the ice. Though comedic in internet culture, the actions have serious implications:
- Physical danger: Players risk trips, falls, or injuries during active play.
- Brand damage: Repeated public disruptions tarnish league professionalism.
- Security lapses: Fans’ ability to bring such objects into arenas raises concern over venue screening practices.
Why This Matters
- Player safety culture: Professional athletes should not be endangered for viral content.
- Security oversight: Arenas and leagues are reevaluating procedures to prevent prohibited items from entering venues.
- Public conduct standards: Fans must respect the environment—what begins as a prank can evolve into real harm.
- League accountability: The WNBA is using these high-profile disruptions to enforce stronger conduct penalties and ensure player protection.
Final Thoughts & What’s Next
This week’s incidents mark a bizarre and troubling turn for the WNBA. While no injuries occurred, the behavior crossed a line—from immature pranks to potential safety hazards. Players and officials alike have demanded accountability. The league’s consistent response—eject offenders, ban them, and involve legal authorities—is a strong step forward.
Going forward:
- Arenas should improve screening and safety protocols.
- Fans need to understand the real risks and consequences of their actions.
- The league must continue to hold offenders accountable and uphold professional standards.
Only then can the WNBA ensure its players can focus on the game—not dodging distractions from the stands.
