Juvenile apprehended for tossing adult toy during sporting event
In a series of disturbing incidents, a sex toy was thrown onto the court during a Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) game, marking the latest in a troubling trend.
On the same night as the Phoenix Mercury's home game against the Connecticut Sun, an 18-year-old man allegedly tossed a sex toy into the crowd at the Crypto.com Arena during the Los Angeles Sparks vs. Indiana Fever game. The object landed near Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham with about two minutes left in the second quarter. This incident, which occurred on August 5, 2025, was the third such occurrence within a week.
Players and league officials have expressed strong disapproval of these disturbing acts. Sparks coach Lynne Roberts called the act "ridiculous," "dumb," and "dangerous," emphasizing the importance of player safety and respect for the game. Kelsey Plum of the Sparks encouraged both teams and referees to "play on" and not give attention to the disruptions. Cunningham herself laughed off the incident during the game but had previously voiced concern on social media that such distractions could cause injury. Fever coach Stephanie White highlighted that players cannot control the crowd's behavior but that the focus must remain on playing the game.
Similar incidents have been reported in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Chicago in recent days. In response, the players and league officials have condemned the acts, calling them disrespectful and dangerous.
The suspect was held until security arrived and then taken into custody. He allegedly pulled the item from his sweater pocket and tossed it toward seats in front of him. The man claimed the act was a prank inspired by a social media trend. However, he was taken into custody on suspicion of assault, disorderly conduct, and public display of explicit sexual material.
The volunteer at the arena tackled the suspect as he attempted to leave. The man admitted to purchasing the toy the day before the game. In another incident, he allegedly threw the sex toy into the crowd, striking a spectator.
These incidents underscore the seriousness with which players and coaches view such behavior. League officials' direct statements or disciplinary actions are not detailed in the search results, but the consistent public criticism highlights the need for action to address this issue and ensure a safe and respectful environment for all involved in WNBA games.
The disturbing trend of throwing sex toys onto basketball courts, as seen in the recent WNBA game between the Los Angeles Sparks and Indiana Fever, is not limited to the Phoenix Mercury's home game against the Connecticut Sun. Similar incidents have been reported in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The latest incident, which occurred on August 5, 2025, involved an 18-year-old man who allegedly threw the toy toward the crowd at the Crypto.com Arena, landing near Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham. This incident has prompted strong disapproval from players and league officials, who view such behavior as disrespectful and dangerous.
