News Summary
The NYPD is searching for a man who allegedly threw a sex toy during a WNBA game, injuring a 12-year-old girl. This incident at the Barclays Center is part of a concerning trend linked to protests against the cryptocurrency sector. Safety concerns are rising among players and officials, prompting the league to collaborate with law enforcement on security measures.
Brooklyn – The New York Police Department (NYPD) is actively searching for a man who threw a sex toy during a WNBA game, striking a 12-year-old girl in the audience. The incident unfolded during a match between the New York Liberty and the Dallas Wings at the Barclays Center on August 5. Reports indicate that the toy hit the girl in the right leg, causing her pain, but she did not require hospitalization. Witnesses described the girl as visibly shaken and distressed for about thirty seconds following the impact.
This incident is not isolated, as it is part of a growing trend observed across several WNBA games in recent weeks. The first of these disturbances was reported on July 29 during a game between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream in College Park, Georgia. Similar occurrences have since been recorded in cities including Phoenix, Chicago, and Los Angeles. In connection with these incidents, law enforcement authorities have arrested two men in Georgia and Phoenix for their involvement in related disturbances.
The NYPD has released images and video footage of the suspect from the recent Brooklyn incident, who is described as wearing a “Beavis and Butt-Head” t-shirt and an Ohio State cap. The NYPD is urging anyone with information about this individual to come forward to assist with the investigation.
A spokesperson for the WNBA has reiterated that the safety of fans and players within the arenas is a top priority. The league is collaborating with law enforcement to ensure that appropriate actions are taken against those responsible for the disturbances. Reports indicate that the incidents are linked to a group associated with cryptomeme coin creators, who have claimed responsibility for throwing sex toys at multiple games as part of a protest against what they characterize as a “toxic” environment in the cryptocurrency sector.
These incidents have sparked criticism from players and coaches within the league, many of whom have described such actions as both dangerous and disrespectful. Coach Cheryl Reeve of the Minnesota Lynx pointed to the trend as reflective of the broader issue of the sexualization of women, suggesting it undermines women’s sports overall. Liberty forward Isabelle Harrison has also called for stricter security measures at arenas, emphasizing the risks associated with objects being thrown onto the court.
In light of these events, players are growing increasingly concerned about the overall safety and credibility of the league. The ongoing nature of these disturbances has raised alarms among athletes and league officials, who are emphasizing the need for effective measures to prevent future incidents. As the NYPD continues its investigation, the focus remains on ensuring a secure environment for all who attend WNBA games.
As the league navigates this troubling trend, it is clear that the safety of fans and players must remain at the forefront of discussions surrounding event security and overall fan behavior at sporting events.
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Additional Resources
- NBC News
- Wikipedia: Women’s National Basketball Association
- NBC Philadelphia
- Google Search: WNBA security incidents
- Fox 5 NY
- Google Scholar: WNBA player security
- ABC 7 NY
- Encyclopedia Britannica: WNBA history
- PIX11
- Google News: 12 year old girl struck toy WNBA
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.
