Earlier this week, a person was arrested for throwing adult toys at a WNBA game between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream, the league announced Saturday, as reported by Marisa Ingemi of the San Francisco Chronicle.
This was the first of two similar incidents in the WNBA this week, with a second adult toy landing on the court during another Valkyries road game against the Chicago Sky on Friday. According to the Chronicle, the second toy was thrown by a different individual than the one involved in the Atlanta incident.
Alongside criminal charges, the WNBA has vowed to ban anyone caught throwing objects onto the court for at least one year.
The league released a statement via the Chronicle:
“Fans who intentionally throw objects onto the court will be promptly removed and banned for a minimum of one year, in addition to facing arrest and prosecution by local authorities. Ensuring the safety and enjoyment of everyone in our arenas is our top priority. Any items on the court or in seating areas can pose serious safety risks to players, coaches, and fans.”
Security personnel were reportedly questioning fans in the 200 level at Chicago’s Wintrust Arena on Friday, suggesting that the league or law enforcement might be working to identify the second offender.
Videos of both incidents have gone viral on social media, with some WNBA players even making light of the bizarre occurrences. However, according to the Chicago Tribune, players like Chicago Sky center Elizabeth Williams condemned the behavior as dangerous and disrespectful.
“It’s very rude,” Williams said after the Valkyries’ 73-66 win. “I don’t see the point. It’s really immature. Anyone doing this needs to grow up.”
The Valkyries also commented on the situation. Forward Cecilia Zandalasini told the AP,
“First of all, it was extremely dangerous. When we realized what it was, we started laughing because I have never seen anything like that. I’m just glad we made it through and stayed focused.”
Others weighed in on social media, noting that while throwing adult toys onto sports fields isn’t entirely new, this kind of disruption is unusual and unwelcome in professional women’s basketball.
Fan Take: This unsettling behavior highlights the importance of maintaining respect and safety at WNBA games. It serves as a reminder that protecting players and fostering a positive fan environment must remain top priorities as the league grows.
