For the third time in a short period, a game in the American women’s basketball league (WNBA) has been briefly stopped because a spectator threw a sex toy onto the court. That happened on Tuesday during the match between Los Angeles Sparks and Indiana Fever.
In the second quarter, a dildo landed near Fever player Sophie Cunningham, who had previously spoken out on social media against throwing such toys. After a brief interruption, the match was resumed.
“This is ridiculous and stupid,” said Sparks coach Lynne Roberts after the 100-91 victory. “It’s also dangerous. It can endanger the players. Every spectator must respect the sport.”
Fever coach Stephanie White also reacted with disappointment. “We don’t know who these people are. We just want to play basketball, and the other spectators want to see us play. Unfortunately, we can’t keep everyone in check.”
According to American media, sex toys were also thrown from the audience during matches in Phoenix and New York on Tuesday. The objects did not reach the field, so they were not captured on camera.
It is the third time in a week that a WNBA game has been disrupted by a sex toy on the field. The first incident took place on Wednesday at Atlanta Dream-Golden State Valkyries. On Saturday, it happened at Chicago Sky-Golden State Valkyries.
The American police have arrested a 23-year-old man in connection with the first incident. He is accused of disturbing public order, public indecency and trespassing. No one has been arrested for the second incident.
The motive for throwing sex toys is unknown. The WNBA has previously made it clear in a statement that any spectator who throws an object onto the field can expect a stadium ban of at least one year.
“The safety and well-being of everyone in our stadiums is the first priority of the league,” the WNBA reported. “Any object thrown can pose a risk to players, officials and spectators.”