Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve talks intercourse toys thrown at WNBA video games: “We need to take action.”

Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve is talking out a few latest development wherein intercourse toys are being thrown onto the courtroom at WNBA video games.

The objects have been thrown throughout at the very least 5 WNBA video games since late July. Several of them reached the courtroom, and at the very least one individual has been arrested in reference to the incidents.

Reeve, one of many league’s most distinguished voices, known as for an finish to the observe and accountability for these accountable on Thursday.

“This has been going on for centuries, the sexualization of women. This is the latest version of that. And it’s not funny. And it should not be the butt of jokes on any radio shows or in print or in any comments,” Reeve mentioned. “The sexualization of women is what’s used to hold women down. And this is no different. This is just its latest form, and we should write about it in that way. And these people that are doing this should be held accountable, and we’re not the butt of the joke. They’re the problem. And we need to take action.”

The first incident occurred July 29 throughout a recreation between the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries. In the newest case, a toy landed close to Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, who has been vocal concerning the incidents on social media and is often the goal of misogynistic feedback from each followers and media members.

Reeve isn’t the primary coach to talk out concerning the observe. Los Angeles Sparks coach Lynne Roberts mentioned, “it’s ridiculous, it’s dumb, it’s stupid. It’s also dangerous.” The Sparks had been on the courtroom in opposition to Cunningham’s Fever when she was practically hit.

The WNBA mentioned in a press release that, “The safety and well-being of everyone in our arenas is a top priority for our league. Objects of any kind thrown onto the court or in the seating area can pose a safety risk for players, game officials, and fans. In line with WNBA Arena Security Standards, any fan who intentionally throws an object onto the court will be immediately ejected and face a minimum one-year ban in addition to being subject to arrest and prosecution by local authorities.”