WNBA Fan Arrested in New York: Shocking Assault Charges Over Sex Toy Incident

A 32-year-old man from Ohio, Charles Burgess, was arrested for throwing a sex toy during a WNBA game at Barclays Center earlier this month. This happened on August 5 during a match between the Dallas Wings and the New York Liberty. The toy struck a nearby 12-year-old girl instead of reaching the court.

Burgess now faces ten charges, including attempted assault, which could result in a maximum of seven years in prison. He has pleaded not guilty. Surveillance footage allegedly shows him smuggling the toy and throwing it from the stands. The girl who was hit suffered injuries, drawing significant attention to the incident.

The incident sparked conversations online, with videos circulating that captured the toy on the ground and security searching for the culprit. No arrests were made that night, but Burgess later turned himself in after driving overnight from Ohio, where he runs an auto shop and has six children. His attorney claims there is evidence suggesting that no one was actually hit, making many charges questionable.

This isn’t an isolated case. Burgess is the third person arrested this month for similar behavior at WNBA games. Earlier incidents involved other individuals throwing sex toys, leading to charges such as disorderly conduct and public indecency.

Experts worry about the potential impact of these pranks. Entertainment lawyer Susan Smith points out that using obscure tactics to gain attention can cross into dangerous territory, especially when it puts children at risk. With many young fans and families attending games, safety must be the top priority.

Statistics reveal that sports event disturbances, while rare, have been on the rise. A recent report by the Sports Violence Prevention Coalition noted a 15% increase in such incidents over the past year. The WNBA has responded strongly, stating that anyone throwing objects will face at least a one-year ban from games.

As social media amplifies these actions, the league is left to tackle not just the disruptions but also the message they send. WNBA players and officials have condemned the behavior as irresponsible, urging fans to respect the game and each other.

With Burgess due back in court on December 15, it’s clear that this isn’t just about one incident—it’s a challenge to the reputation of the league and a call for stronger regulations to ensure a safe environment for all fans.



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