Multiple sex toys hit the court during the Chicago Sky’s home game against the Golden State Valkyries on Friday, August 21, forcing a halt to play in the third quarter. Following the incident, Sky guard Natasha Cloud went off, addressing what she called “weird” fan behavior that’s been plaguing the league since last year. She didn’t hold back, calling out the men responsible and stating their actions “show that you are weak, like, extremely weak.”
Cloud Calls Out The ‘Unwarranted’ Hate
This wasn’t just some random hiccup. Arena personnel had to remove the items while players stayed on the court during the third quarter of the Sky’s 73-70 victory over the Valkyries. Cloud, 34, ripped into the “unwarranted” incidents, suggesting these acts, which she says are primarily from men, are a direct attack on women and the LGBTQ+ community. “That hate is unwarranted, it’s not factual and it says more about the internal struggles of that individual than it ever will say about the collective group,” she said in a post-game press conference. Her message to the men throwing the objects was crystal clear: “And the men that are throwing it, it shows that you are weak. Like, extremely weak. And it says a lot about how you feel about women.”
A Disturbing Trend Continues
This Chicago incident wasn’t an isolated event. Just the day before, on Thursday, August 20, another WNBA game was interrupted when a bright green sex toy landed on the court during the Atlanta Dream’s win over the Los Angeles Sparks. Dream forward Angel Reese, 24, was seen animatedly pointing into the crowd, saying “Up there, up there,” as if identifying the perpetrator. A source confirmed on Saturday, August 22, that the individual responsible for the August 20 incident was arrested and indefinitely banned from all WNBA, NBA, and affiliated league games and events. This disturbing pattern dates back to the 2025 season, when the WNBA experienced at least three similar incidents. One notable event from August 2025 saw an 18-year-old taken into custody after a green sex toy he allegedly threw hit a man and his 9-year-old niece. He reportedly described it as a “stupid prank that was trending on social media” and was booked on suspicion of disorderly conduct, assault, and public display of explicit sexual material.
The league is clearly at a crossroads with this. With these incidents becoming a string of “unwarranted” behavior, Cloud’s words shine a spotlight on what’s truly at stake beyond the game itself. How the WNBA handles this ongoing disrespect, especially following arrests and bans, will set the tone for the entire season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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