Championship-ending WNBA game between Chicago Sky and Atlanta Dream disrupted by fourth sex toy incident in a week
In recent WNBA games, an unusual disruption has taken place, with sex toys being thrown onto the court or bench areas during matches. These incidents, which have been causing concern for player safety and respect for the game, appear to be primarily motivated by an attempt to generate media attention and publicity rather than any direct personal or political statement.
A meme-coin group has claimed responsibility for some of these disruptive acts, stating that they are orchestrated stunts for exposure. The group's actions began appearing across several WNBA games within a short period, causing significant interruptions and raising serious safety concerns.
The WNBA has condemned these incidents, enforcing strict policies including immediate ejections, minimum one-year bans, and potential legal prosecution for any fan caught throwing objects onto the court. This response is aimed at maintaining safety and decorum at the games.
Players and coaches have expressed frustration and disapproval, describing the behavior as immature, disrespectful, and a dangerous distraction. For example, Elizabeth Williams of the Chicago Sky called it "super disrespectful," while Minnesota Lynx Head Coach Cheryl Reeve described the growing number of incidents as a distraction.
Some commentators suggest the motivation is not necessarily to antagonize female athletes but to get attention via a stunt viewed as bizarre and novel—similar in spirit to sports fans' notorious antics like throwing octopuses on hockey ice, but widely recognized as unacceptable conduct during games.
However, the group responsible for the disruptions has rejected the narrative that the incidents are disrespectful towards women's athletes. In fact, they started throwing green items to coincide with the launch of a new meme coin, whose name is a play on a type of sex toy.
One such incident occurred during the Atlanta Dream's game against the Chicago Sky, with a sex toy being thrown from the stands with just under six seconds remaining. The individual involved in this incident was identified and arrested, charged with disorderly conduct, public indecency/indecent exposure, and criminal trespass. A court date for the individual has yet to be established.
Interestingly, this is not the first time a sex toy has been thrown during a Chicago Sky game. Previously, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham was struck by a green toy during a game against the Los Angeles Sparks.
The WNBA, Chicago Sky, and Atlanta Dream have been contacted for comment regarding the incidents, but as of yet, no official statements have been released.
Reeve, along with other coaches and players, has emphasized that the sexualization of women is a longstanding issue and should not be treated as a joke. She and others in the league are calling for more respect and decorum during games to ensure the safety and focus of the athletes and the enjoyment of the fans.
- The meme-coin group responsible for the disruptions in WNBA games has stated that their actions, such as throwing sex toys onto court or bench areas, are orchestrated stunts for exposure.
- The WNBA has launched a strict response to these incidents, enforcing policies including immediate ejections, minimum one-year bans, and potential legal prosecution for fans caught throwing objects onto the court to maintain safety and decorum at the games.
- The sexualization of women is a longstanding issue, and coaches and players like Cheryl Reeve are calling for more respect and decorum during games to ensure the safety and focus of the athletes and the enjoyment of the fans.
