A man was arrested Sunday night after a neon-green dildo sailed from the stands and struck Dallas Wings star Paige Bueckers during a game against the Connecticut Suns
The bizarre interruption occurred late in the third quarter with the Wings leading. Bueckers, the highly touted rookie guard, was setting up on the wing when the object flew into her path, striking her lower leg and bouncing onto the court. Play was immediately halted as officials and security scrambled to remove the item. Bueckers appeared startled but uninjured; she stayed in the game after a brief check by trainers and later scored 18 points in the Wings’ victory.
Arena security and Phoenix police quickly identified the thrower. Witnesses and video footage showed the suspect, later named as 24-year-old local resident Marcus Hale, pulling the bright green sex toy from his jacket pocket and launching it toward the floor. Hale attempted to leave his seat but was detained by security before he could exit the section. He was taken into custody on charges including disorderly conduct, assault, and reckless endangerment.
Police said Hale told investigators the act was meant as a “prank” inspired by a recent social-media trend of green dildos appearing at WNBA games. Similar incidents had already disrupted several contests earlier in the season, prompting the league to issue zero-tolerance warnings and increase security screenings. Officials noted that throwing any object onto the court endangers players, staff, and fans and carries automatic ejection plus a minimum one-year ban in addition to possible criminal charges.
Bueckers addressed the moment after the game. “It’s ridiculous and dangerous,” she said. “We’re out here competing, and something like that has no place in the arena. I’m fine, but it could have been worse for someone else.” Wings head coach emphasized player safety and called for stronger enforcement.
The WNBA released a statement condemning the act and reiterating its security standards. “Objects of any kind thrown onto the court or into seating areas pose a real risk. We will continue working with arenas and local authorities to protect our players and fans.”
Hale was booked into Maricopa County jail and is expected to appear in court this week. The incident marks another chapter in an unusual and unwelcome trend that has drawn widespread criticism across the league. Fans and players alike hope increased vigilance will end the disruptions so the focus can return to the basketball.
