Tensions are rising across the WNBA as a string of disruptive incidents involving sex toys being thrown onto the court has sparked concern and frustration among players.
The latest episode nearly saw Indiana Fever forward Sophie Cunningham struck during a game after Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum reacted to another object hurled in her direction by kicking it aside, sending it dangerously close to Cunningham.
Cunningham herself took to social media over the weekend to express her outrage at what’s become an increasingly common trend.
“Stop throwing dildos on the court,” Cunningham posted on X. “You’re going to hurt one of us.”
Cunningham‘s plea follows a disturbing pattern that has been escalating throughout the WNBA season.
Just days earlier, another sex toy was thrown during a matchup between the Atlanta Dream and the Valkyries in Atlanta.
That incident resulted in the arrest of a 23-year-old fan identified as Delbert Carver, who now faces multiple charges: disorderly conduct, public indecency/indecent exposure, and criminal trespass, according to Cleveland.com.
WNBA players demand action as safety concerns rise
Isabelle Harrison spoke out about how these types of stunts threaten both safety and professionalism, explaining that players shouldn’t have to worry about bizarre interruptions during live games.
“I think you just have to continuously prioritize the players, because it’s obviously safety, but also just so immature to me,” Harrison told The Post on Sunday. “I just hate that that’s being attached to our brand and our name.
“This is like, let’s be professional here. I get the jokes, and things can be funny, but it just gets to a point. So like, I’m just really over it, and I know other players are over it.
“It just wasn’t even a thought because I’ve never experienced it. So the fact that it’s not only just a [bottle] top or a shoe, it’s something to that extent… it just annoys me.”
The growing disconnect between fans and respect for the game
While the motivations behind the recent incidents are unclear, players aren’t laughing. Harrison pointed to the seriousness with which she and her fellow athletes approach the game, and why these stunts feel like a disrespect to their hard work.
“[People] might think it’s a joke, but we also have to think big picture,” she explained. “I don’t take this lightly. What my job is, it’s not a joke. I know a lot of other players feel like that, too. So we just need to take it more serious.”
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