The most recent incident occurred during the Atlanta Dream's 86-65 victory over the Chicago Sky on 9/8. With less than 6 seconds remaining, a purple sex toy was thrown onto the court, halting play. This was the 4th such incident in recent weeks.
Another sex toy landed behind the Dream's bench earlier in the same game. Two people were questioned but released due to lack of evidence.
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Allisha Gray (number 15, red) dribbles the ball during the Atlanta Dream's win over the Chicago Sky on 9/8, at the Windtrust Arena in Chicago. Photo: Reuters |
Allisha Gray (number 15, red) dribbles the ball during the Atlanta Dream's win over the Chicago Sky on 9/8, at the Windtrust Arena in Chicago. Photo: Reuters
This was the second time a Sky game was disrupted. The previous week, a similar item was thrown onto the court during their game against the Golden State Valkyries, landing near the basket.
A more serious incident occurred on 6/8 during the New York Liberty's game against the Dallas Wings in Brooklyn, New York. A man threw a sex toy that hit a 12-year-old girl, causing injury. The New York Police Department investigated the incident.
The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) announced that any fan caught throwing sex toys onto the court will face prosecution and a stadium ban. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert condemned the trend as unacceptable.
"I've been in this business for almost 40 years, and it's sad that we're seeing things like this," Engelbert told Sportico Sports Business. "These perpetrators will be punished. If you want to be charged with a felony, go ahead. Throwing anything is dangerous, let alone what's being thrown."
A cryptocurrency-based meme group claimed responsibility. Their spokesperson said the act protested the declining cryptocurrency market, aiming to gain attention. They denied disrespecting female athletes.
"We don't hate female athletes or anything ridiculous like that," the spokesperson told USA Today. "Disruptions during games are normal; it happens in every sport. Fans do random things to get attention."
Vy Anh
