Former Las Vegas Aces forward Dearica Hamby has officially filed a lawsuit against the Aces and the WNBA, alleging discrimination, intimidation, and retaliation after disclosing her pregnancy.
In January 2023, the Aces traded Hamby to the Los Angeles Sparks, and she claims that the team’s treatment of her changed after she announced her pregnancy.
The lawsuit specifically states that Hamby was required to leave team-provided housing and that the Aces did not fulfill their promise to cover her daughter’s private school tuition.
Click here for the full lawsuit
Hamby also accuses Aces head coach Becky Hammon of bullying her and questioning her commitment to the team.
During a phone call between Hamby and Hammon, Hamby asked, “You’re trading me because I’m pregnant?” The lawsuit claims that Hammon did not deny this and responded, “What do you want me to do?”
Prior to last season, the league conducted an investigation, resulting in Hammon being suspended for two games and the Aces losing their 2025 first-round draft pick.
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Hamby’s attorney argues that the Aces “exiled” her client due to her pregnancy, violating federal laws protecting women from workplace discrimination.
“The WNBA functions as a workplace, and federal laws have historically safeguarded pregnant women from discrimination in the workplace,” Hamby’s attorney stated. “The world champion Aces sidelined Dearica Hamby for getting pregnant, and the WNBA responded with minimal consequences. Every potential mother in the league now knows that childbirth could abruptly alter their career prospects. This is unacceptable in one of the most successful and vibrant women’s professional sports organizations in America.”
In May 2023, coach Hammon refuted Hamby’s accusations and presented her side of the story.
WATCH | Here’s what head coach Becky Hammon had to say:
Becky Hammon on Hamby lawsuit
Scripps News Las Vegas attempted to obtain a statement from the Aces regarding the lawsuit but received no response at the time of publishing this story.
This article was originally published by Johnny Resendiz on Scripps News Las Vegas.