On July 29, during a game between the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries, the first sex toy was thrown onto a WNBA court. In the following days, this bizarre trend continued with sex toys being hurled during at least six more games across cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, Brooklyn, and Phoenix. Initially, the incident sparked a flurry of memes, particularly among the league's largely LGBTQ+ fanbase, who embraced the prank as a playful commentary on the queer culture within the WNBA. Players even joined in on the humor, with Indiana Fever point guard Sydney Colson jokingly tweeting, “Sorry I did NOT mean to throw that so far y’all.” Similarly, Las Vegas Aces guard Kierstan Bell added, “Damn how my sh– get there.”
However, as the sex toys continued to appear, the initial laughter turned into concern. Many players voiced their frustrations, emphasizing that these antics were not only a distraction but also a potential danger to the athletes on the court. Seattle Storm guard Brittney Sykes expressed her displeasure on social media, stating, “Everyone that’s out here making wild jokes, laughing on networks and socials, and making cruel comments is weird and whack.” New York Liberty player Isabelle Harrison also raised alarms about safety, asking, “ARENA SECURITY?! Hello??! Please do better.”
As a writer focusing on the intersection of sports and LGBTQ+ culture, I found myself hesitant to comment on this unfolding story. A pivotal question lingered in my mind: Who was responsible for throwing the sex toys? Regardless of the identity of the throwers, I believe the act is inappropriate as it sexualizes and endangers athletes at work. The power dynamics between queer female fans tossing sex toys and men doing so at a women’s sporting event are profoundly different.
The mystery was partially unraveled when two arrests were made. Delbert Carver, a 23-year-old from Marietta, Georgia, was arrested on August 1 for throwing a green sex toy onto the court during the Dream’s game against the Phoenix Mercury. Carver admitted to throwing the toy during the July 29 game as well, although the cryptocurrency group claiming responsibility for the stunts disavowed any connection to him. In a separate incident, 18-year-old Kaden Lopez was arrested at PHX Arena for tossing a green sex toy into the stands during the Mercury-Connecticut Sun game.
An anonymous member of the cryptocurrency group explained their motivation to ESPN, stating, “It was more or less like an opportunistic approach to, you know, what is already trending.” They aimed to capitalize on the controversy, claiming they wanted to “really make memes funny again.” However, the intentions behind the actions do not diminish the serious implications of sexualizing a space dedicated to female athletes and potentially endangering them.
The act of throwing a sex toy, especially one designed to resemble male anatomy, at a women’s sporting event perpetuates a culture of sexual violence. Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve stated, “This has been going on for centuries, the sexualization of women. This is the latest version of that. And it’s not funny.” A representative from the crypto group downplayed their actions, asserting that creating disruption is common in all sports. However, their disregard for the unique challenges faced by women in sports highlights a troubling exploitation of women’s spaces.
As security measures intensify in WNBA arenas, the potential for increased scrutiny of LGBTQ+ fans rises. Many individuals may carry items for gender-affirming reasons, leading to more invasive searches at entrances, ultimately endangering these communities. While fans tossing sex toys in the NFL might also be inappropriate, the systemic power dynamics between men and women in sports are vastly different.
As the WNBA players fight for fair compensation, these disruptive actions serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for respect in women’s sports. The attempt by a group of men to exploit the success of female athletes for their own financial gain is both grotesque and indicative of a larger issue. As we move forward, it’s crucial to recognize the implications of such actions and advocate for the safety and respect of all athletes, regardless of gender.
Frankie de la Cretaz is a freelance writer dedicated to exploring the intersections of sports and gender. They are also the co-author of "Hail Mary: The Rise and Fall of the National Women's Football League."
