Sophie Cunningham’s bold remark drew attention after another object was thrown onto a WNBA court during a game reported by Athlon Sports. Over the past week, the WNBA has faced unusual challenges as two separate incidents occurred within three days where fans threw items onto the court during play.
Sports events have always strictly forbidden fans from throwing objects onto the playing area, with offenders immediately removed. However, recently, two WNBA fans disregarded these rules. The first took place on Tuesday at the Gateway Center, home of the Atlanta Dream, and the second at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, which was largely empty. Interestingly, the Golden State Valkyries were the visiting team in both cases.
Numerous WNBA players voiced their strong disapproval of these disrespectful actions, with Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham being the most direct and candid. After the second incident on Friday, Cunningham posted a straightforward yet emphatic message on her official X account: “Stop throwing dildos on the court… you’ll hurt one of us.”
Her blunt statement quickly went viral, amassing over 6 million views in just over five hours, sparking surprise and discussion online. Fans and users responded with comments about the league’s responsibility, curiosity about the culprits, and support for Cunningham’s courage. One user expressed disbelief that professional athletes are publicly asking fans to stop throwing adult toys on courts due to safety concerns, calling it historic.
Cunningham has gained considerable attention this season with the Fever, whether for her defensive efforts, viral social media posts, or striking pre-game attire. Hopefully, her bold message will help deter fans from throwing inappropriate objects onto WNBA courts going forward.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on August 2, 2025.
Fan Take: This incident highlights ongoing challenges around fan behavior in professional sports and underscores the importance of athlete safety in the WNBA. Sophie Cunningham’s fearless stance not only brings needed awareness but might also push the league to enforce stricter measures, ultimately fostering a safer and more respectful environment for players and fans alike.
