A 23-year-old man, Delbert Carver, is facing multiple charges after allegedly throwing a neon-green sex toy onto the court during a WNBA game in Atlanta. Carver was arrested and booked into Clayton County jail in Georgia on Saturday, approximately 15 miles away from where another similar incident occurred just a few days earlier. The incident has sparked a significant amount of public attention and reaction, with Carver’s case currently pending and he was released on bond late Sunday.
According to the police affidavit, Carver allegedly told police that the incident was meant to be a joke to go viral. The WNBA has responded to the incident, emphasizing its commitment to the safety of players, game officials, and fans. The league has issued a statement that any fan who intentionally throws an object onto the court will be immediately ejected and face a minimum one-year ban, in addition to potential arrest and prosecution by local authorities.
Interestingly, both incidents occurred during the Golden State Valkyries’ road games. The second incident took place on Friday night against the Chicago Sky. Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham addressed the situation, issuing a PSA on social media, urging fans not to throw objects on the court, as it could endanger players. Angel Reese, another player, humorously suggested one of her teammates, Sydney Colson, might be responsible for the incidents, prompting Colson to reply with a photo of herself wearing a green jacket.
The WNBA has taken swift action, with one of the culprits already arrested, and there are plans for further punishments against those involved in the incidents. The league continues to maintain its focus on ensuring the safety and integrity of its games, while also addressing the public’s response to such disruptions. The case of Delbert Carver serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of such behavior in professional sports settings.