There’s a mean green problem in the WNBA, and it’s raising concerns for player safety.
Last Tuesday, a green sex toy was thrown onto the court in Atlanta during the Dream vs. Valkyries matchup on June 29. As the broadcast zoomed in on the object, what was initially thought to be an isolated incident sparked laughter and jokes across social media. With 1:04 remaining in the fourth quarter, the object was sprung on the quarter shortly after Tiffany Hayes’ shot was blocked by Maya Caldwell.
A few days later, it was confirmed that 23-year-old Delbert Carver had been arrested for throwing the object, according to ESPN. What began as a joke has quickly turned into growing safety concerns for the players.
All seemed fine until two more incidents occurred involving WNBA arenas and players. The culprits behind the dildo mischief continue to shake the league, with incidents now reported in Chicago and Los Angeles. On August 1, another mean green was thrown onto the court, halting play at Wintrust Arena in the Golden State Valkyries’ 73-66 victory over the Chicago Sky,
WNBA Sees Three Sex Toy Incidents So Far
Golden State Valkyries forward Cecilia Zandalsini weighed in on the controversy. Calling the situation “super dangerous.” In fact, Sky center Elizabeth Williams described it as “super disrespectful.”
What began as a joke has quickly escalated into serious safety concerns for players. On Tuesday evening, a third incident occurred at Crypto.com Arena. In front of 16,035 fans, Fever guard Sophie Cunningham was grazed by a sex toy during the Los Angeles Sparks’ 100-91 victory over the Indiana Fever. The episode occurred with two minutes remaining in the first half, this time hitting Cunningham right after a Sparks basket.
this did NOT age well. https://t.co/K1WGbOWEjJ
— Sophie Cunningham (@sophaller) August 6, 2025
Ironically, Cunningham initially posted on X on August 1, “Stop throwing dildos on the court… you’re going to hurt one of us.” This morning, she responded on the platform with, “This did NOT age well.”
Los Angeles Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts chimed on the ongoing issue postgame on August 5.
“It’s ridiculous. It’s dumb,” said Roberts. “It’s stupid. It’s also dangerous. Player safety is number one, respecting the games, all those things. I think it’s really stupid.”
How Sex Toy Incidents Are Raising WNBA Player Safety Issues
These occurrences present a bigger issue, this time involving player safety. The WNBA has been vocal about protecting its players, instituting charter flights for both safety and ample recovery time. Prior to the 2025 season, the WNBA unveiled the “No Space for Hate,” which is designed to promote respect and combat hate across the league.
In a press release, the WNBA emphasized increasing safety measures both on social media platforms and in arenas.
“All teams and the league will also place increased emphasis on security measures at the team level, within arenas, and across the league as a whole.”
According to ESPN, the WNBA announced that continued behavior of this kind would result in ejection from the arena and a one-year ban. In my opinion, it should be a lifetime ban. According to the network, the WNBA issued a statement following the first two episodes.
“The safety and well-being of everyone in our arenas is a top priority for our league. Objects of any kind thrown onto the court or in the seating area can pose a safety risk for players, game officials, and fans,” the league said in a statement. “In line with WNBA Arena Security Standards, any fan who intentionally throws an object onto the court will be immediately ejected and face a minimum one-year ban in addition to being subject to arrest and prosecution by local authorities.”
The question remains: how and why does this continue to happen in multiple arenas, targeting different teams and players? Throwing a sex toy at players is a clear sign of disrespect, especially toward women. Without an explanation or any indication of what further steps the league can take to protect its players, what will it take before someone gets seriously hurt?
WNBA Players Voice Their Concerns
While the incidents continue to take place, player frustrations and concerns are well documented. New York Liberty forward Isabelle Harrison took to X to voice her questions over the matter.
“ARENA SECURITY?! Hello??! Please do better. It’s not funny. never was funny. Throwing ANYTHING on the court is so dangerous.”
With the unprecedented growth of the WNBA and women’s sports, an increase in chatter and debate is expected. However, throwing objects at any athlete should never be tolerated, whether it’s sex toys, shoes, beer, or anything else. While most venues hold a high level of security, it’s nearly impossible to prevent such objects from entering arenas.
These women deserve better, especially in the space where they work. The looming question remains, how can players arrive at work knowing they are in a safe environment? What are the next steps to ensure these professional athletes are protected from harassment and violence?
ARENA SECURITY?! Hello??! Please do better. It’s not funny. never was funny. Throwing ANYTHING on the court is so dangerous.
— Isabelle Harrison (@OMG_itsizzyb) August 2, 2025
Follow Sara Jane Gamelli on X @SaraJGamelli.
