In what started as a so-called prank gone viral, a group of cryptocurrency enthusiasts has now claimed responsibility for a string of bizarre and inappropriate incidents at WNBA games — and their motive? Promoting a new meme coin with an explicit name.
Over the past two weeks, at least six incidents have been reported where spectators hurled green sex toys onto WNBA courts mid-game.
So far, two arrests have been made, and now the group behind it all is speaking out.
Crypto Group Claims It’s All a Marketing Stunt
A man identified online as @Daldo_Rain has stepped forward as the unofficial spokesperson for the pranksters.
In a conversation with USA Today, he confirmed that a collective of crypto traders is behind the wave of disruptions and that they’re using the chaos to promote a digital currency called Green Dildo Coin (DILDO).
Leaked messages, obtained by USA Today, show that the group was planning the antics around the coin’s launch on July 28.
Coincidentally — or not — the first toy was thrown the very next day during a game between the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries.
Arrests Made After Sex Toys Land on Court
One of the individuals arrested was Delbert Carver, a 23-year-old Georgia man who allegedly threw a toy during a recent Atlanta Dream game.
Police say Carver was even livestreaming the stunt before being taken into custody.
According to the incident report, Carver told officers, “This was supposed to be a joke and this joke was supposed to go viral.”
He now faces serious consequences: a possible $1,000 fine, up to a year in jail, and — perhaps most damaging — a misdemeanor count of public indecency. If convicted, he could even be required to register as a sex offender.
A Child Got Caught in the Crossfire
Things turned more troubling in Phoenix, where a botched attempt ended with an 18-year-old man, Kaden Lopez, accidentally hitting another male spectator — who was sitting with his nine-year-old niece.
Lopez was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, assault, and public display of sexually explicit material.
According to court documents, he admitted it was a “stupid prank” that he picked up from social media.
Is There a Real Connection Between the Coin and the Criminal Acts?
While the crypto group is taking public credit, authorities haven’t officially confirmed whether Carver or Lopez are affiliated with them.
The group maintains they never intended harm and have supposedly asked participants not to hit anyone when tossing the toys — something that obviously hasn’t gone as planned.
As of now, their meme coin is practically worthless, trading for a fraction of a cent.
Despite the buzz — and the chaos — it’s safe to say their marketing strategy isn’t quite paying off.
WNBA Players and Coaches Aren’t Laughing
Coaches and players have made it clear they’re fed up with the stunts.
Lynne Roberts, coach of the LA Sparks, didn’t mince words: “It’s ridiculous, it’s dumb, it’s stupid… and it’s dangerous.”
She emphasized that player safety and respect for the game should come first.
Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham, who had a toy thrown in her direction during a game, expressed her frustration on her podcast: “Everyone is trying to make sure the W [WNBA] is taken seriously, and then that happens.
How are we ever going to get taken seriously?”
This Isn’t the First Time This Has Happened in Sports
As bizarre as it sounds, throwing sex toys during games isn’t new to sports.
In the NFL, fans have done similar things in the past — like during a 2018 game between the Patriots and the Bills.
But the WNBA incidents seem to be more calculated, more frequent, and now tied to an online campaign — raising deeper concerns about both player safety and respect for women’s sports.
League Remains Tight-Lipped
So far, the WNBA has not issued an official comment in response to the group’s claims or the ongoing investigations.
With public pressure mounting and more games scheduled, the league may be forced to address the matter soon — especially as these disruptions threaten the professionalism and safety of their events.
