Tuesday’s WNBA game between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries came to a halt in the final minute as a sex toy was thrown on the court in Georgia, leaving the players stunned
A WNBA encounter between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries was brought to an abrupt standstill when a fluorescent green adult sex toy was hurled onto the court. With 42.5 seconds left on the clock and the teams deadlocked at 75 points, Atlanta’s Maya Caldwell blocked a three-pointer from Tiffany Hayes.
The crowd erupted, though bewilderment swiftly ensued as officials Charles Watson and Angel Kent sounded their whistles and halted proceedings. Cameras focused in to reveal an unexpected item, a luminous green intimate device positioned close to the touchline.
“That is a first,” remarked one astonished commentator, whilst match coverage captured the object ricocheting across the wooden floor during active play. “We don’t play that. There’s no room for that, ever,” declared the broadcasting panel.
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Match commentary initially described the green projectile with uncertainty regarding its source, noting the item had settled beneath seating before officials intervened, reports the Mirror US.
Security personnel descended upon the Gateway Center section from which the object originated, with 3,265 spectators present to witness the disturbance.
The commentary team called upon security to locate the perpetrator of this inappropriate act and escort them from the venue immediately.
Replay footage revealed the object plummeting from the sky onto the court, bouncing upon impact from the foul line, and sliding towards the sideline. Cameras also captured Jordin Canada’s stunned reaction after witnessing what unfolded.
“The most important thing when you come to see your favourite players take the floor is keeping them safe,” said an announcer team member.
Seattle Storm guard Erica Wheeler tweeted: “Aye yooooo what’s going on in ATL?” Renee Montgomery, the Vice President of Dream, seated courtside during the match, described the moment as “unreal.”
Montgomery was filmed alongside security as the object was eventually cleared away, wrapped in a hand towel. But not before the WNBA community reacted to what they witnessed in real time.
Apart from the action deemed “disrespectful” on the broadcast, the league faced criticism for zooming in and focusing on the object rather than attempting to avoid giving it airtime during the match.
The match ultimately continued, and the Valkyries triumphed as Hayes found Cecilia Zandalasini for an 11-foot jumper with just 3.2 seconds remaining.
This victory brought the Valykies to a 12-13 record, whilst the Dream dropped to 15-12, staying a top-two team in the Eastern Conference.
Zandalasini spearheaded the Valkyries’ front 18 points off the bench, Hayes contributing 12 points, Carla Leite adding 12 points and Veronia Burton with 10 points. Canada was the leading scorer for the Dream, registering 21 points in the defeat.