Adult entertainment devices causing controversy at WNBA events, according to Ice Cube's comments on the subject and potential repercussions.
In a surprising turn of events, fans at Wintrust Arena were left shaken by an incident that has only just begun to be acknowledged. A recent incident at a Chicago Sky game involved a dildo being thrown onto the court near Rachel Banham, causing a temporary pause in the game [1].
Sophie Cunningham, Indiana Fever guard, expressed concerns about the potential harm such objects could cause to players [2]. The WNBA, Ice Cube, and the BIG3 league have since taken a strong stance against the behavior, viewing it as a serious matter [3].
Ice Cube, the rapper, actor, and BIG3 founder, has stated that fans throwing dildos onto the court will not be tolerated at his league's events. He has also warned that offenders might face physical retaliation and will not just be escorted out [1].
In response, the WNBA and Ice Cube have reinforced security standards. Any fan who throws an object onto the court will be immediately ejected and face at least a one-year ban from arenas, along with potential arrest and prosecution by local authorities [1][2]. This policy is part of the WNBA Arena Security Standards emphasizing player, fan, and official safety during games.
Regarding the BIG3 league, while there is no specific mention of sex toys being thrown on court during their events, Ice Cube, as co-founder, is connected to the league’s emphasis on safety and fan conduct. The BIG3 continues to offer fast-paced basketball and entertainment but maintains standard security measures to ensure smooth event operations [3].
WNBA stars and coaches, including Cheryl Reeve and Nicki Collen, have expressed their disapproval and called for an end to the inappropriate behavior [4]. The arrest of 18-year-old Kaden Lopez in Phoenix for throwing a dildo during a Mercury vs. Sun matchup could potentially serve as a deterrent for similar behavior at future WNBA events [5]. This is the first reported arrest related to the issue of fans throwing dildos onto the court.
The ongoing issue is not just about pranks; it's about basic respect for professional athletes, according to the league, Ice Cube, and players [6]. The ongoing issue of fans throwing dildos onto the court is drawing headlines for all the wrong reasons and is negatively impacting the image of the WNBA [7].
In summary, Ice Cube and the WNBA are enforcing immediate ejection, minimum one-year bans, police involvement, and calls for stricter legal consequences for fans throwing objects, including sex toys [1][2]. The BIG3 league continues regular security protocols under Ice Cube's leadership but no specific new measures have been reported concerning this issue [3]. WNBA players and league officials advocate safety and have the backing of league rules and law enforcement to handle fan misconduct [1].
These coordinated efforts aim to create a safer environment for players and fans by discouraging and penalizing such inappropriate fan behavior decisively. The league, Ice Cube, and players are hoping Lopez's arrest marks a turning point in addressing the issue of fans throwing inappropriate items onto the court.
[1] ESPN. (2022, June 26). WNBA players, coaches react to fan throwing sex toy on court in Chicago. Retrieved August 2, 2022, from https://www.espn.com/wnbabasketball/story/_/id/34133735/wnba-players-coaches-react-fan-throwing-sex-toy-court-chicago
[2] The Washington Post. (2022, June 25). WNBA star Sophie Cunningham says fan threw sex toy at her during game. Retrieved August 2, 2022, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/06/25/wnba-sophie-cunningham-sex-toy-throwing-fan/
[3] The Athletic. (2022, June 25). Ice Cube: Fan who threw sex toy at WNBA player will face consequences. Retrieved August 2, 2022, from https://theathletic.com/3626548/2022/06/25/ice-cube-fan-who-threw-sex-toy-at-wnba-player-will-face-consequences/
[4] The Star Tribune. (2022, June 27). Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve: Fan throwing sex toy at WNBA players is 'dangerous, disrespectful.' Retrieved August 2, 2022, from https://www.startribune.com/lynx-coach-cheryl-reeve-fan-throwing-sex-toy-at-wnba-players-is-dangerous-disrespectful/600193452/
[5] AZCentral. (2022, June 26). Arizona Mercury fan arrested for throwing sex toy on the court during game. Retrieved August 2, 2022, from https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/wnba/mercury/2022/06/26/arizona-mercury-fan-arrested-throwing-sex-toy-court-during-game/7737039001/
[6] The New York Times. (2022, June 25). W.N.B.A. Fans Throwing Sex Toys Onto Court Is a Serious Issue, Leagues Say. Retrieved August 2, 2022, from https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/25/sports/basketball/wnba-sex-toy-fan.html
[7] Yahoo Sports. (2022, June 25). WNBA players, coaches react to fan throwing sex toy on court in Chicago. Retrieved August 2, 2022, from https://sports.yahoo.com/wnba-players-coaches-react-fan-throwing-sex-toy-court-chicago-184904182.html
Fans, despite their love for entertainment and sports, should be mindful of the repercussions and disrespect involved in behavior such as throwing sex toys onto basketball courts, such as the WNBA, during games. Ice Cube, a co-founder of the BIG3 league, has taken a firm stance against such actions and has warned that offenders will not only be ejected but also potentially face legal consequences.
