The WNBA has been bold, swift, and uncompromising in reacting to this kind of destructive behavior in its venues. This follows two different incidents in which fans threw sex toys on the court during games. That first occurrence the week before was on Tuesday during the Atlanta Dream’s historic game against the Golden State Warriors in College Park, Georgia. Just a few days later, this second incident would repeat itself in Chicago during the Sky’s game against that same Golden State squad.
Toward the end of the fourth quarter during Atlanta’s visit, a fan tossed a rubber sex toy onto the court. Security swooped in instantaneously to diffuse the emergency. The WNBA released a statement acknowledging the individual’s arrest. They released a statement that anyone who throws objects onto the court will be ejected and subsequently banned from all WNBA events for at least one year. This case is indicative of a deeply worrisome trend. In the third quarter of the Chicago game, a fan tossed yet another sex toy under the basket after a whistle had stopped play. Golden State actually went on to win that game, 73-66.
The league noted safety was always priority for its 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.” – WNBA
Sky center Elizabeth Williams condemned this treatment, saying it was “really, really disrespectful” and childish. She said she is aghast at the motives behind such actions.
“It’s super disrespectful. I don’t really get the point of it. It’s really immature. Whoever is doing it needs to grow up.” – Elizabeth Williams
Isabelle Harrison, a forward with the New York Liberty, took to X to express her views on the issue. She voiced her anger at the reactionary response from arena security when these instances occurred.
“ARENA SECURITY?! Hello??? Please do better. It’s not funny. Never was funny. Throwing ANYTHING on the court is so dangerous.” – Isabelle Harrison
We applaud the WNBA for making such a powerful statement in response to these events. They are dedicated to ensuring that their games are a safe and respectful environment for all.