WNBA's response to court-sided sex-toy tossers: Insights on apprehensions and stadium safety measures
WNBA Cracks Down on Sex Toy Disturbances at Games
The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is taking firm action to prevent sex toy disturbances during games, following several incidents that have occurred recently.
After an arrest of a fan who threw a sex toy at an Atlanta Dream game, the league announced a strict policy: any fan who intentionally throws objects onto the court, including sex toys, will face immediate ejection and a minimum one-year ban. Local authorities are also enforcing arrests and prosecution for offenders.
Arena security protocols, such as no-bag or clear-bag policies, have been implemented to prevent prohibited items from being brought inside. The WNBA is working closely with arena personnel to identify the individuals responsible for throwing sex toys onto the court in Los Angeles and Chicago.
Players and coaches have spoken out against these acts, emphasizing the danger and disrespect involved. Liberty forward Isabelle Harrison expressed concerns about arena security protocols on social media, stating that throwing anything on the court is so dangerous. Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve added that the sexualization of women is what’s used to hold women down, and this is no different.
Despite these measures, incidents still occur sporadically, suggesting ongoing challenges in fully preventing such disruptions during games. The WNBA prioritizes player and spectator safety and has solid policies with serious consequences to deter future incidents.
In Phoenix, a man was arrested on suspicion of assault, disorderly conduct, and publicly displaying explicit sexual material. Another man was arrested in College Park, Georgia, for throwing a sex toy onto the court during the Atlanta Dream’s game on July 29. There have not been any arrests made yet for the sex toy disturbances in Los Angeles and Chicago.
The New York Liberty are cooperating with an ongoing investigation into the throwing of a sex toy during a game in New York. A crypto-based predictions market is offering trades allowing users to wager on whether sex toys will be thrown at future WNBA games.
The WNBA has stated that the safety of everyone in its arenas remains a top priority. The league doubled down on its stance, saying it is working closely with local and federal law enforcement to pursue all appropriate actions against anyone involved in this conduct. The league continues to urge fans to respect the game and the players.
- The WNBA, in response to both general-news incidents of sex toy disturbances at games and the crime-and-justice arrests made for such acts, has implemented new policies to ensure the safety and respect of all spectators during sports events, particularly in basketball games like WNBA.
- The WNBA's sports department is not only addressing the ongoing issues of sex toy disturbances at games, but also focusing on crime-and-justice matters by cooperating with law enforcement, aiming to prosecute offenders and prevent future incidents, reinforcing their commitment to maintaining a respectful and safe environment for all viewers, including WNBA and basketball fans.
