As the WNBA gains more attention and popularity, a troubling issue has emerged that threatens to overshadow the league’s achievements. Recently, during live games, fans have thrown sex toys onto the court, disrupting play and showing disrespect towards the dedicated athletes who strive to elevate women’s basketball. The most recent incident occurred on August 5, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Los Angeles Sparks, immediately after Sparks player Kelsey Plum made her free throw.
A toy was thrown toward Fever player Sophie Cunningham, who has been vocal about issues of player safety. Thankfully, it just missed her, but it reignited concerns she had already shared online. After a similar incident on July 29, Cunningham expressed her frustration, urging fans to stop throwing such items, as it could lead to someone getting hurt. Cunningham’s outspokenness has generated support from her teammates and other players around the league. Kelsey Mitchell, another player, shared her thoughts after the game, emphasizing the hard work and professionalism the athletes bring to every match.
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She stated, “We are the product. We like to think that we come to play the game and people want to see us play.” Mitchell highlighted that this kind of behavior is not a joke and doesn’t contribute positively to the game. The WNBA is currently experiencing a surge in popularity, with record numbers of viewers and the highest ticket sales in its history. This increased attention should be celebrated, but it has also attracted some disruptive behavior from some fans, which is frustrating for the players.
Such actions not only delay games but also undermine the hard work of many women who have fought for respect and recognition in sports. This behavior is a safety concern and reflects a lack of understanding among some fans about the professionalism that players display on the court. As players like Cunningham continue to speak out against this behavior, they remain focused on playing, winning, and inspiring others. They deserve the same respect as any athlete competing at a high level.
