Sophie Cunningham Struck by Sex Toy During Fever Game Amid WNBA Surge
Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham Latest Victim of WNBA’s Bizarre Sex Toy Throwing Trend
Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham became the latest WNBA player targeted by fans hurling sex toys onto the court during games. The incident occurred during the Fever’s 100-91 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night, marking the fourth such disruption in the league over just eight days.
The Incident
During the second quarter, a green sex toy was thrown from the stands toward Cunningham as she stood in the paint. The 28-year-old guard flinched as the object struck her leg, with Sparks guard Kelsey Plum quickly kicking it away. Play paused briefly as Cunningham and opposing players laughed off the awkward moment.
(Image suggestion: Cunningham reacting to the toy on the court, teammates nearby.)
Cunningham’s Viral Warnings
Ironically, Cunningham had addressed the trend hours earlier on her podcast, Show Me Something. “If that smacks someone in the face, it’s gonna be plastered everywhere,” she said, joking about the viral potential. She added that her mother texted her before the game: “Watch out for flying [sex toys] tonight.”
Earlier, Cunningham’s viral X post—“Stop throwing dildos on the court… you’re going to hurt one of us”—racked up over 3 million views in three hours.
(Image suggestion: Screenshot of Cunningham’s viral tweet.)
A Growing Epidemic
The trend began on July 29, when a sex toy landed on the court during an Atlanta Dream-Golden State Valkyries game. Just days later, the same happened during the Dream-Phoenix Mercury matchup, leading to the arrest of 23-year-old Delbert Carver. Police reported Carver livestreamed the act, calling it a “joke meant to go viral.” He faces charges of disorderly conduct, public indecency, and trespassing.
(Image suggestion: First incident in Atlanta, players reacting to the toy on court.)
Another incident occurred in Chicago on August 4, though no arrests followed. Players like Chicago Sky’s Elizabeth Williams condemned the acts: “It’s really immature. Whoever is doing it needs to grow up.” New York Liberty’s Isabelle Harrison added, “Throwing ANYTHING on the court is dangerous.”
(Image suggestion: Chicago game disrupted by the thrown object.)
Safety Concerns
While Cunningham laughed off Tuesday’s incident, the league faces mounting pressure to tighten security. WNBA venues already restrict bag sizes, but players argue more measures are needed. “Arena security?! Please do better,” Harrison pleaded online.
The Fever played without injured star Caitlin Clark for the eighth straight game, but the focus shifted to the bizarre, recurring interruptions. With Carver’s next court date pending, the WNBA hopes to curb the trend before it escalates further.
(Image suggestion: Mugshot of Delbert Carver from Clayton County Jail.)
Final Word
What started as a shocking, isolated prank has become a dangerous pattern. As the WNBA’s popularity surges, players and fans alike are urging respect for athletes’ safety—and an end to the immature antics overshadowing the game.
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