Delbert Carver Identified in Bizarre WNBA Court Incident That Left Fans Stunned

In one of the most unexpected moments in WNBA history, an unusual on-court disruption during a game this past weekend has now been traced back to Delbert Carver — a 39-year-old man from Des Moines, Iowa — who was identified as the individual behind the bizarre incident that temporarily halted play and raised serious concerns about security protocols at professional sporting events.

The event took place during the third quarter of a heated matchup between the Las Vegas Aces and the Minnesota Lynx. With the game in full swing and both teams locked in a tight contest, a man — later confirmed to be Carver — somehow made his way onto the court in the middle of live play, dressed in a makeshift referee outfit and carrying what appeared to be a fake whistle.

Initially mistaken by some fans and even a few players as an actual official, Carver managed to interrupt the flow of the game by blowing his whistle mid-possession, signaling what he claimed was a “traveling violation.” Confusion erupted across the arena as players stopped momentarily before realizing the intruder wasn’t affiliated with the league.

Security responded within seconds, and Carver was promptly tackled and removed from the court by arena staff. No one was harmed during the incident, but several players later said the disruption was jarring and could have resulted in injury had the situation escalated.

According to sources close to the investigation, Carver has a history of mental health issues and had previously attempted to impersonate public officials at smaller local events. His motives in this case remain unclear, but initial interviews suggest he believed he had “uncovered corruption” within WNBA officiating and was “there to correct it.”

The WNBA released a statement following the incident, emphasizing that player safety remains their top priority.

“We take any breach of court security extremely seriously. While no one was harmed in this situation, it serves as a critical reminder of the importance of vigilance at all levels. Additional measures are being put in place immediately at all venues,” the statement read.

Fans who witnessed the incident described it as “confusing, surreal, and honestly a little scary.” One spectator posted a video on social media showing the moment Carver entered the court, which has since gone viral, amassing over 10 million views in 24 hours.

Carver is currently being held in custody and is facing multiple charges, including trespassing, impersonating an official, and disrupting a sporting event. A psychological evaluation has been ordered by the court.

While the game eventually resumed after a brief delay, the incident left a lasting impression. Players and fans alike are now calling for stricter access controls and more visible security presence during games.

As for Carver, the bizarre nature of his intrusion has sparked both outrage and concern — and serves as a stark reminder that even in professional sports, unexpected and strange moments can unfold in the blink of an eye.