Sex toy throwing disrupts US women’s basketball matches
On Wednesday, Sporza reported that an unusual trend is emerging in the US Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Matches have been disrupted by spectators throwing sex toys, mainly dildos, onto the court. While the players have responded with humour thus far, they are now demanding an end to these antics, citing safety concerns.
The latest incident occurred during the closing minutes of a game between the Indiana Fever and an opposing team, ending 100–91. A green dildo was hurled onto the court, apparently directed at Sophie Cunningham, a player who had previously posted a plea on social media: "Stop throwing dildos on the court… you’re going to hurt one of us."
There were no reported injuries. Kelsey Plum swiftly removed the object from the court and Cunningham dismissed the incident with a laugh. LA Sparks player Julie Vanloo was seen embracing Cunningham in solidarity after the incident.
This is not an isolated incident. Similar incidents have been reported in Phoenix, Atlanta and New York - the latter of which is now home to Emma Meesseman. In New York, a dildo was reportedly thrown near a child, though it did not reach the playing area.
The first of the recent incidents occurred in Atlanta, where a spectator was arrested. The individual in question has since been banned from attending WNBA games for a year.
Keep playing and don’t give it any attention
LA Sparks coach Lynne Roberts criticised the growing trend, describing it as “ridiculous, idiotic and dangerous for the players”. Her advice: “Keep playing and don’t give it any attention.”
While the players have remained good-humoured, many now emphasise that what began as a stunt is quickly becoming a safety risk. League officials have yet to announce broader measures to prevent further incidents.
#FlandersNewsService | © Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images/Sipa USA
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