NYPD Searches For Suspects Who Threw Sex Toy at New York Liberty Game
“This is not a joke — it’s harassment, it’s dangerous, and it’s criminal.” That’s the growing consensus among players, coaches, and law enforcement after the latest in a string of disturbing incidents plaguing the WNBA. On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, during a New York Liberty–Dallas Wings game at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, a neon-green sex toy was hurled from the stands — hitting a 12-year-old girl in the leg. The child, whose identity is being withheld for privacy reasons, experienced pain but did not require hospitalization. Authorities say the incident happened mid-game in Section 106, with the suspect fleeing the scene before security could intervene.
NYPD Releases Video, Calls for Public’s Help
The NYPD’s Crime Stoppers has released surveillance footage showing a man in distinctive attire:
Black shirt with a Beavis and Butt-Head graphic
Black shorts and black sneakers
Red baseball cap
Visible tattoos on both arms
Police are urging anyone with information to call 1-800-577-TIPS. The suspect faces charges of assault and reckless endangerment — and the NYPD has made clear they will seek prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.
Not an Isolated Incident: A Disturbing WNBA Trend
This assault marks the fifth documented sex-toy-throwing incident at a WNBA game in just two weeks. The wave of disruptions began on July 29 in Atlanta, during a game between the Dream and the Valkyries, when a sex toy landed on the court near players. Since then, similar incidents have been reported in:
Phoenix — An 18-year-old was arrested after hitting multiple spectators, including a 9-year-old.
Los Angeles — Security removed a fan mid-game for throwing an object that narrowly missed a player.
Chicago — Two sex toys were thrown on the court within minutes of each other.
New York — The most recent and most serious incident, targeting a child in the stands.
In several cases, police have made arrests:
Delbert Carver, 23, charged in Atlanta; later told police it was a “prank for social media.”
Kaden Lopez, 18, charged in Phoenix with assault and disorderly conduct.
Possible Link to Cryptocurrency “Stunt”
Investigators are also looking into whether these disruptions are tied to a promotional campaign for a cryptocurrency meme token called Green Dildo Coin (DILDO). The token’s anonymous creators have posted online claiming responsibility for some of the incidents, framing them as guerrilla marketing. Marketing experts and law enforcement both condemn the tactic, warning it constitutes criminal activity and harassment — not free speech or harmless promotion.
WNBA, Players, and Coaches Speak Out
The backlash from within the league has been swift and uncompromising. Isabelle Harrison, Liberty forward, told reporters after the game: “Throwing ANYTHING on the court is dangerous. This crosses every line of respect for the game and for people.” Cheryl Reeve, head coach of the Minnesota Lynx, labeled the behavior: “A sexualization of women. It’s not funny, and it’s not harmless. It’s a statement — and it’s a disgusting one.” Lynne Roberts, head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks, added: “Player safety is number one. This is ridiculous, dumb, stupid — pick your word. It’s unacceptable.”
The league has announced strict penalties:
Immediate ejection from the arena
Automatic one-year ban from all WNBA games
Referral to law enforcement for criminal charges
Security Crackdown at WNBA Arenas
Following the incidents, arenas are ramping up security. Barclays Center has implemented:
Enhanced bag checks
Walk-through metal detectors
More undercover security officers in fan sections
Zero-tolerance policy for throwing objects
League officials say they are also exploring facial recognition systems to identify banned fans attempting to re-enter.
Misogyny, Disrespect, and the Fight for Women’s Sports
Sports sociologists say the incidents reflect a broader pattern of misogynistic behavior aimed at women athletes, especially as the WNBA’s popularity surges. This season, the league is on track for record attendance and television ratings — growth that, advocates argue, is exactly why the backlash is intensifying. Dr. Courtney Cox, a University of Southern California professor specializing in gender and sports, told The Guardian earlier this month: “As women’s sports gain visibility, the resistance to them can manifest in these highly public, often sexualized disruptions. They are designed to undermine legitimacy.”
The Road Ahead
For the NYPD, the immediate priority is identifying and arresting the suspect in the Barclays incident. For the WNBA, the challenge is bigger — ensuring that its players and fans, particularly young fans like the 12-year-old girl injured last week, feel safe in arenas. This is no longer a string of random pranks. It’s a targeted, coordinated assault on the dignity and safety of women’s sports — and both the league and law enforcement are making clear that the perpetrators will be found and punished.
