AN 18-year-old man was arrested after allegedly hurling a sex toy into the crowd during the Phoenix Mercury’s home game against the Connecticut Sun, in what police say is part of a troubling trend across the Women’s National Basketball Association.
According to police, the suspect pulled the item from his sweater pocket and tossed it toward seats in front of him, striking a spectator in the back. The man later claimed it was a prank inspired by a social media trend and admitted purchasing the toy the day before the game.
A volunteer at the arena tackled the suspect as he attempted to leave and held him until security arrived. He was taken into custody on suspicion of assault, disorderly conduct and public display of explicit sexual material.
Similar incidents have been reported in Atlanta, Los Angeles and Chicago in recent days. On the same night as the Phoenix incident, a sex toy was thrown near Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham during a game in
Los Angeles.
The players and league officials have condemned the acts, calling them disrespectful and dangerous. / RSC