“Stop Throwing Dildos on the Court… You’re Going to Hurt One of Us” — Sophie Cunningham’s Frustrated Plea After WNBA Fans Turn Games into Chaos

I. When WNBA Games Become Unexpected Spectacles

Over the past week, WNBA players have faced not only on-court competition—but bizarre fan behavior. Twice this week, lime-green sex toys were hurled onto the court during live game action, forcing officials to halt play amidst confusion and disruption. These incidents took place during Golden State Valkyries away games—first against the Atlanta Dream, then against the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena in Chicago PFSN+15People.com+15Nypost+15.

During the latter game, which occurred at the Sky–Valkyries matchup, a toy landed near the sidelines in the third quarter, prompting an official to stop the game while staff removed the object Nypost+4People.com+4Sportskeeda+4. This marked the second time in a matter of days that such a stunt occurred at a Valkyries game People.comMạng Lưới Bóng Rổ.

II. Sophie Cunningham Speaks Out

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, though not playing in the Chicago game, wasted no time in addressing the incidents publicly. On her social media account X (formerly Twitter), she posted:

“Stop throwing dildos on the court… you’re going to hurt one of us.” Reddit+15On3+15inkl+15

Her message was simple but urgent, emphasizing both frustration and genuine concern for player safety. Cunningham’s plea struck a serious tone in contrast to the incidents being treated as humorous spectacles Mạng Lưới Bóng RổSportskeeda.

Following the earlier incident during the Dream–Valkyries game, Cunningham’s comments garnered millions of views in just hours, with social media users praising her for boldly calling out the ridiculousness and risk of fan antics People.com+9athlonsports.com+9Nypost+9.

III. What Happened—and Why It’s No Laughing Matter

A. The Two Incidents

    Atlanta (Valkyries vs Dream): Late in the fourth quarter, a lime-green sex toy fell onto the free-throw line. It bounced across the court as chaos unfolded. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the incident caused alarm among players and announcers alike The Times of India+6People.com+6Nypost+6.

    Chicago (Valkyries vs Sky): With about 7 minutes left in the third quarter, another green object appeared on the court, creating yet another stoppage. Officials kicked it off the floor while players looked on in disbelief San Francisco Chronicle+8People.com+8Mạng Lưới Bóng Rổ+8.

In both cases, Golden State Valkyries were the away team, making the trend even stranger. Security and venue staff had to scramble to remove the items so the games could resume San Francisco Chronicle+1athlonsports.com+1.

B. Player and League Reactions

Players did not treat the incidents lightly:

Elizabeth Williams (Chicago Sky) called the act “super disrespectful” and “immature” The Guardian+4Mạng Lưới Bóng Rổ+4San Francisco Chronicle+4.

Isabelle Harrison (New York Liberty) blasted venue security, saying “Throwing ANYTHING on the court is so dangerous” San Francisco Chronicle+5Mạng Lưới Bóng Rổ+5Cassius Life+5.

Cecilia Zandalasini (Valkyries forward) appeared to laugh initially but called the stunt “super dangerous” and appreciated that the team stayed focused amid chaos San Francisco Chronicle+3On3+3Mạng Lưới Bóng Rổ+3.

Meanwhile, Angel Reese of the Sky took a lighter tone, jokingly tweeting at Fever guard Sydney Colson:

“Hey @SydJColson, why do you keep throwing your mean green in different arenas… it’s getting weird.” Sportskeeda+6WCCS AM1160 & 101.1FM+6Nypost+6

Despite Reese’s humor, the outpouring across the league was one of exasperation, concern, and outright disgust—especially from Cunningham’s post calling for action and caution NypostSportskeeda.

IV. The Safety Issue Behind the Laughs

Cunningham’s warning wasn’t rhetorical. As she pointed out, any object thrown onto the court during active play could lead to serious injury:

Delays in play, player slips, or officials stepping on foreign objects could cause severe injury.

These sex toys were thrown not before or after the game—but during active quarters, while players were reacting and moving Mạng Lưới Bóng Rổ+1Nypost+1.

Officials and players described the incidents as distractions and hazards—not pranks. Cunningham’s straight‑to‑the‑point reminder highlighted that fans might laugh, but players could get hurt Sportskeedaathlonsports.com.

V. What the League Is Doing—and Must Do

The WNBA has issued statements condemning the behavior, pointing to its Fan Code of Conduct and outlining possible consequences:

Immediate ejection

One-year minimum arena ban

Potential legal prosecution

A fan involved in the Atlanta incident was arrested, while the Chicago thrower remains unidentified thus far—raising concerns about security screening and enforcement San Francisco Chronicle+1Nypost+1Nypost.

Players and fans have since called for stricter arena checks, better enforcement of banned items, and consequences to curb repeat offenders San Francisco ChronicleMạng Lưới Bóng Rổ.

VI. Social Media: Memes, Outrage, or Trend?

While many criticized the trend, others mocked the situation, treating it as a bizarre meme waiting to happen. Some fans remarked that “this could boost ratings” or joked about betting on how many green sex toys would appear per game Sportskeeda.

In Cunningham’s comment section, reactions ranged from supportive to dismissive:

Critics: “This is the only thing helping WNBA’s ratings… maybe make the game interesting and people would do this” Sportskeeda.

Supporters: “Sophie, you are amazing… always rooting for you!” athlonsports.com.

Yet fans joking aside, the seriousness of Cunningham’s concern has overshadowed the comedic value in many circles.

VII. Sophie Cunningham: Beyond the Controversy

This is not the first time Cunningham has stood out—both for her play and her boldness. Earlier in the season, she became a fan favorite in Indiana for protective play, leading to jersey sell‑outs and vocal support for her leadership on and off the court PFSNathlonsports.com.

These sex toy incidents mark yet another moment where Cunningham has stepped up—not with theatrics, but with sincerity and accountability. Her message symbolizes the growing demand for respect, safety, and maturity in professional sports.

VIII. Looking Ahead: Will the Trend Stop?

So far, it’s two incidents, two venues, and two Valkyries games. If it becomes a pattern, the league may impose stricter entry searches, surveillance enhancements, and more severe disciplinary measures.

Cunningham’s warning— “you’re going to hurt one of us”—may be the turning point. The WNBA, fans, and arenas now face a choice: normalize the chaos, or clamp down firmly on dangerous, immature behavior.