WNBA Games Disrupted by Incidents; Man Arrested After Object Hits Fan
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Brooklyn, NY – A man from Ohio has been arrested in connection with an incident at a New York Liberty game, part of a troubling pattern of disruptions at WNBA games nationwide. The incidents involve objects thrown into the stands, raising safety concerns and prompting league officials to take action.
Recent Arrest and Charges
Charles Burgess, thirty-two, of Dayton, ohio, was arrested Wednesday and faces two counts of assault. Authorities allege he threw an object at a game between the Dallas Wings and the New York Liberty on August 5th, striking a twelve-year-old girl. Burgess voluntarily surrendered to New York authorities and pleaded not guilty, according to his attorney, Paul D’Emilia.
D’Emilia stated that Burgess, an auto body shop owner and father of six with no prior criminal record, intends to “vigorously fight these embellished and exaggerated charges.” Court documents indicate surveillance footage shows Burgess removing an object from his pants and throwing it toward the court, though his lawyer disputes that anyone was actually hit.
Did You Know? The WNBA has stated that anyone throwing objects onto the court will be ejected from the arena and banned from attending future games for at least one year.
Pattern of Disruptions Across the League
This incident is one of several recent disturbances. Similar events occurred at games in Atlanta on July 29th and August 1st, Los Angeles and Phoenix on August 5th, and Chicago on August 1st and 7th. In some cases, the objects landed on the court, causing delays, while others impacted spectators.
An eighteen-year-old was arrested in Phoenix after admitting to throwing a sex toy as part of a social media trend.Kaden Lopez told police he purchased the item the day before the game and was tackled by a volunteer after throwing it. He was arrested on suspicion of assault, disorderly conduct, and publicly displaying explicit sexual material.
In Georgia, Delbert Carver, twenty-three, was charged with multiple misdemeanors-disorderly conduct, criminal trespassing, public indecency, and indecent exposure-for throwing objects at two Atlanta Dream games.A conviction could result in fines up to $1,000 or jail time up to twelve months per charge, and potentially require registration on the state’s sex offender list.
Carver reportedly told police the act was intended as a joke to go viral.
Chicago Sky vs. New York Liberty Game Details
Despite these ongoing issues, the WNBA season continues. The Chicago Sky will face the New York Liberty in a regular season game on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
| Game Detail | Data |
|---|---|
| What | WNBA Game |
| Who | Chicago Sky vs. New York Liberty |
| When | Thursday, August 21, 2025 |
| Time | 7:00 PM ET |
| Where | Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY |
| TV | N/A |
| live Stream | Prime Video |
The game will be broadcast live on Prime Video at 7 p.m. ET. Prime Video offers a 30-day free trial, with subscription options including a $14.99 monthly or $139 annual Amazon Prime membership, or a Prime Video-only plan for $8.99 per month. A discounted rate is available for young adults aged 18-24, offering six months of free access to Prime.
Pro Tip: consider utilizing the free trial offered by Prime Video to access the game and explore other streaming options.
What are your thoughts on the recent disruptions at WNBA games? Do you think the league is taking appropriate action to ensure fan safety?
The recent incidents highlight a growing trend of disruptive behavior at sporting events, often fueled by social media challenges and online communities. This phenomenon extends beyond the WNBA, with similar occurrences reported in other professional sports leagues. Understanding the motivations behind these actions-whether seeking attention, engaging in pranks, or expressing discontent-is crucial for developing effective preventative measures. The WNBA’s response, including increased security and stricter penalties, reflects a broader effort to prioritize fan safety and maintain a positive game-day experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About WNBA Disruptions
- What is causing the disruptions at WNBA games? These disruptions are linked to a social media trend involving the throwing of objects, often sex toys, into the stands.
- What penalties are being imposed on those responsible? Individuals caught throwing objects face ejection from the arena and a minimum one-year ban from attending future games.
- Where can I watch the Chicago Sky vs. New York Liberty game? The game will be streamed live on Prime Video.
- Is the WNBA taking additional security measures? Yes, the league is increasing security to prevent further incidents.
- What are the legal consequences for throwing objects at a sporting event? Depending on the severity and impact, individuals could face charges ranging from disorderly conduct to assault.
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