Sex Toy Thrown Near WNBA Player Sparks Renewed Focus on Fan Conduct and Player Safety
Published Time: August 7, 2025, 14:00 (U.S. Pacific Time)
An inappropriate object was thrown onto the court during Tuesday night’s WNBA game between the Indiana Fever and the Los Angeles Sparks, landing near Fever forward Sophie Cunningham. The incident, which occurred with just over two minutes left in the second quarter, has raised renewed concerns about player safety and fan behavior inside arenas.
The episode is part of a disturbing trend that has seen similar incidents at several league games across the country over the past two weeks.
Incident in Los Angeles Adds to Growing List of Court Disruptions
During the second quarter of the Fever vs. Sparks matchup at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, an object resembling a sex toy was thrown from the stands and landed in the lane close to Sophie Cunningham. Cunningham jumped back in apparent surprise. The object was promptly kicked off the court by Fever guard Kelsey Plum, and the game continued without further interruption.
Although no one was injured, the incident added to the growing frustration among players and coaches regarding recent inappropriate fan behavior.
“I think it’s ridiculous, it’s dumb, it’s stupid,” said Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts. “It’s also dangerous, and player safety is number one. Respecting the game is critical. I think it’s really stupid.”
Plum also praised the players and referees for maintaining professionalism amid the disruption: “Both teams did a great job playing on, not giving it any attention. The refs too—just keeping things moving.”
Cunningham, who has previously spoken out about the trend of objects being thrown during games, laughed off the moment on the court but has made it clear online that the issue is no joke.
Players Express Concern Over Growing Safety Threats
Cunningham recently posted on social media warning fans that these incidents could lead to injury, stating, “You’re going to hurt one of us.”
Her concerns are not unfounded. Similar incidents have occurred in Phoenix, New York, Chicago, and Atlanta—sometimes during crucial moments in the games. Although most of the objects have not struck players or officials, they have disrupted gameplay and created potential safety risks.
At the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, a similar item was thrown and reportedly landed near a child in the stands. In Phoenix, an object was tossed from the upper deck but did not reach the court.
Incident Timeline: Pattern Emerging Across Multiple WNBA Cities
This trend appears to have begun in late July. Below is a timeline of recent incidents:
- July 30 – Atlanta, Georgia:
During the fourth quarter of a game between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State, a fan threw an object onto the court. That individual was arrested, ejected, and banned for at least one year. - August 2 – Chicago, Illinois:
In a game between Golden State and the Chicago Sky, a sex toy was thrown under the basket after a whistle. Officials quickly removed the object, and no arrests were confirmed. - Other Reported Cities:
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Brooklyn, New York
- Los Angeles, California (August 6)
Each event has followed a similar pattern, with toys or objects being thrown near or onto the court during live play or stoppages.
WNBA Issues Strong Statement on Fan Conduct and Arena Safety
In response to these repeated disruptions, the WNBA released a formal statement reaffirming its commitment to ensuring the safety of players, officials, and fans:
“The safety and well-being of everyone in our arenas is a top priority for our league. Objects of any kind thrown onto the court or in the seating area can pose a safety risk for players, game officials, and fans,” the statement read.
“In line with WNBA Arena Security Standards, any fan who intentionally throws an object onto the court will be immediately ejected and face a minimum one-year ban, in addition to being subject to arrest and prosecution by local authorities.”
The league’s zero-tolerance policy is now under heightened scrutiny as incidents continue to occur across multiple venues.
League and Teams Increase Security Measures
Several teams have reportedly begun coordinating with local authorities and venue management to enhance security during games. Measures may include:
- Increased camera surveillance focused on crowd behavior
- Stricter bag checks and entry screening
- Enhanced communication between courtside security staff and arena management
- Public service announcements before and during games
Team officials and league administrators are working together to prevent further disruptions and ensure that WNBA games remain safe and welcoming environments for all attendees.
A Call for Respect and Accountability
While some fans have taken these incidents lightly, players and league officials are united in their message: disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated. The athletes who play in the WNBA deserve the same level of safety and professionalism afforded to any major sports league.
Sophie Cunningham and others have made it clear that fan behavior is a critical issue—not just for player well-being, but for the overall integrity of the game.
“We love our fans, but we expect respect,” Cunningham said in a recent interview. “We show up to compete and put on a great show. That should never be jeopardized by dangerous or thoughtless actions.”
Conclusion: Ensuring a Safe Future for the WNBA
The WNBA continues to grow in popularity, drawing larger crowds and more national attention. With that growth comes the responsibility to protect its players and maintain a safe and respectful environment in every arena.
As the league heads deeper into the 2025 season, both fans and franchises will need to work together to uphold the spirit of the game—and ensure incidents like these do not define the narrative.
Source: AP News – Sex toy thrown near Indiana’s Sophie Cunningham during game in Los Angeles
