A bizarre interruption disrupted a recent WNBA game in Atlanta when a fan tossed a sex toy onto the court during a matchup between the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries.
The incident took place late in the fourth quarter at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia, catching players and spectators off guard. Authorities have since arrested the fan, identified as 23-year-old Delbert Carver, who now faces charges including disorderly conduct, criminal trespass, and public indecency. He was booked into Clayton County Jail and released on bond the following evening.
The WNBA responded firmly, emphasizing the importance of safety and professionalism in its venues. The league stated that throwing objects onto the court poses risks to players, officials, and fellow fans, and reminded the public of its zero-tolerance policy. Any individual caught engaging in such behavior will be ejected, banned from attending games for a minimum of one year, and subject to legal action.
“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 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 subject involved in the incident in Atlanta on Tuesday has been arrested.”
Players have expressed concern and frustration over the incident. Cecilia Zandalasini, a forward for the Valkyries, described the act as dangerous and unprecedented. Elizabeth Williams of the Chicago Sky commented after a similar occurrence in a separate game, calling the trend “super disrespectful.” Just days after the Atlanta incident, another sex toy was hurled onto the court during a Valkyries road game in Chicago, though no arrest has been confirmed in that case.
These events have prompted broader conversations about fan behavior and the need for stricter security measures. As the WNBA’s popularity and visibility continue to rise, league officials are determined to foster a respectful and safe environment in every arena.
