In the latest episode of “What’s the Craziest Thing You Can Hurl Onto a Sports Court?” the WNBA unwittingly showcased a saga that has captured headlines for all the wrong reasons. You see, it’s not a slam dunk or a buzzer-beater that’s drawing crowds — it’s a rogue, bright green, inflatable object that continues to overshadow the on-court action. What’s a sports league like the WNBA to do when its games turn into a bizarre spectator sport of “dildo dodgeball”?
This peculiar trend began when, according to reports, a young fan in Atlanta decided that watching a WNBA game wasn’t exciting enough. He thought tossing a green novelty item onto the court might spice things up a bit. Unfortunately for the league, this stunt didn’t just fly under the radar; it bounced its way into notoriety, becoming a regular and unwelcome interruption at games. As the object made its rounds on social media, the internet did what it does best — it ran wild with jokes, bets, and memes about when the next “incident” would occur.
Players such as Elizabeth Williams, Sophie Cunningham, and Isabelle Harrison have spoken out about this cheeky trend, emphasizing that they were growing tired of being the butt of inappropriate jokes. They called for accountability, pointing out that the sexualization tied to these incidents is yet another form of undermining women. Yet, despite their frustration, it’s hard not to notice that this circus act is getting the WNBA more viral attention than they’ve seen in years, although not exactly the kind they were aiming for.
In an earnest attempt to crack down on these antics, the WNBA has implemented a no-bag policy at games. The hope is that stricter security measures will deter fans from bringing and seeking the attention the act brings. But here’s where it gets comical: The 18-year-old fan, Kaden Lopez, managed to sneak the item in his pocket, seemingly nullifying the no-bag rule in one swoop. It’s led many to question if this rule will be enough to stop folks who might decide to become more, shall we say, inventive, in their contraband smuggling techniques.
As far-fetched as it may seem, some jokesters have suggested the league embrace the madness. Turn it into a halftime show; let fans place bets on the colors or frequency of these interruptions. After all, engagement is engagement, right? However, until a decision is made on whether to tackle this matter with seriousness or humor, the WNBA may find itself simultaneously the punchline of jokes and the recipient of newfound (albeit unconventional) attention. The games will continue, but whether it’s for the love of the sport or the anticipation of another in-flight accessory remains to be seen.