WNBA players ask for protection. Caitlin Clark suffered a case of sexual harassment. Several matches were interrupted by sex toys being thrown onto the courts. The league reacts and invests in security systems that include artificial intelligence (AI). “The WNBA is working to take all appropriate measures, including arrest and criminal charges,” a league spokesperson said.
The WNBA launched the “No Space for Hate” platform this year, with tools to protect its players. The league uses AI to monitor hate messages on social media, invests in safety measures inside stadiums and offers its stars resources to care for their mental health.
Immediate expulsion, arrest and prohibition of access to sports venues are some of the measures planned by the WNBA to immediately end a dynamic that puts the safety of its players at risk, but also its international image and brand value.
Stadium security cameras make it easy to identify those responsible for inappropriate behavior, even if the tickets do not bear the name of a specific person.
The release of sex objects occurred in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Phoenix and New York. Some toys rubbed against the players. One hit a 12-year-old girl in the stands. At least three men were arrested on assault charges.
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Arrest and criminal charges to protect WNBA players
“The safety of everyone in our stadiums remains our priority. We are working closely with local and federal law enforcement authorities to take all appropriate measures, including arrest and filing criminal charges, with felony charges where appropriate, against anyone involved in this conduct or in any way related to sponsoring this reckless and unacceptable behavior,” a WNBA spokesperson said.
In accordance with WNBA arena safety 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.
This was the case of three men involved in these incidents. One of them, Charles Burgess, 32, was charged with two counts of assault for throwing a sex toy that ended up hitting a twelve-year-old girl in a Dallas Wings-New York Liberty match in New York.
And this was just the latest case of inappropriate behavior towards league stars. Caitlin Clark, leader of the Indiana Fever and the big attraction of the WNBA in the last two seasons, was harassed for months by a 55-year-old Texan man, who was arrested.
“I’ve been driving by your house three times a day, but don’t call the police, the public can drive through the Gainbridge area (the Fever stadium in Indianapolis). Also known as Caitlin Fieldhouse,” read a message posted online by the stalker.
The man, Michael Lewis, was arrested at an Indianapolis hotel for a series of messages sent to Clark on the social network X (formerly Twitter) that included sexual material.
The WNBA promises zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior, with two days left until the start of the games playoffs. This year, the league will host a best-of-seven Finals for the first time, just like the NBA.
With information from EFE
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