Sophie Cunningham Speaks Out After Another Disturbing Incident Rocks the WNBA: “This Isn’t Just Disrespectful—It’s Dangerous”

Sophie Cunningham has never been one to stay quiet—and this time, she’s raising her voice for all the right reasons.

Following a second shocking incident this week where a dildo was thrown onto the court during a WNBA game, Cunningham is speaking out, calling attention to the growing safety concerns facing women in professional sports. And her message is clear: this is no longer just about disrespect—it’s about danger.

“This isn’t funny. It’s not edgy. It’s not a meme,” Cunningham said after the game, visibly frustrated and shaken. “It’s harassment. And we’re done putting up with it.”

The object was thrown mid-game during a heated matchup, causing a momentary pause in play as officials cleared the court. It marked the second time in just a matter of days that a similar item had been launched from the stands—both times during WNBA events, both times targeting female athletes in the middle of doing their jobs.

While players attempted to stay focused, the disruption was impossible to ignore.

“We already deal with enough—unfair media coverage, pay gaps, security lapses,” Cunningham continued. “Now we’re dodging sex toys mid-game? What are we doing?”

Many fans and fellow players echoed her outrage, taking to social media to express support and demand answers.

“It’s disgusting,” one fan tweeted. “This wouldn’t happen at an NBA game—and if it did, someone would be arrested on the spot.”

Another wrote, “Stop calling this a ‘prank.’ It’s targeted, degrading, and dangerous.”

The league has issued a brief statement acknowledging the incident, saying that an investigation is underway and that additional security measures are being considered. But for Cunningham—and many of her colleagues—that’s not enough.

“This is about respect. Safety. Basic human decency,” she said. “You shouldn’t have to think about what might fly at your face while you’re pulling up for a jumper.”

The WNBA, a league built on resilience, has been gaining more visibility and fan support than ever before. Stars like Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu, and Cunningham herself have elevated the level of play and the public conversation around women in sports.

But with that increased attention has come a disturbing uptick in inappropriate fan behavior.

“Visibility shouldn’t come with violence,” Cunningham added. “We want fans. We want energy. But not at the cost of our safety and dignity.”

The conversation is gaining traction fast, with players across the league posting statements of solidarity. Some are calling for lifetime bans for offenders. Others are pushing for stricter in-arena screening and real-time surveillance to catch perpetrators in the act.

“You throw something like that on the court at a man’s game, it’s a national scandal,” one veteran WNBA player commented anonymously. “But because it’s us? People laugh? Nah. Not anymore.”

At the core of Cunningham’s frustration is a demand for equal treatment—and the right to play in a professional environment without fearing harassment or assault.

“There’s a line,” she said. “And we’re not going to let you keep crossing it.”

As the WNBA continues to grow, one thing is becoming crystal clear: the athletes aren’t just playing for points anymore. They’re playing for progress. For protection. For basic respect.

And this time, Sophie Cunningham’s not just here to play—she’s here to fight back.