Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon has once again addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding former player Dearica Hamby’s trade to the Los Angeles Sparks in January 2023. This situation escalated when Hamby filed a federal lawsuit against the WNBA and the Aces, alleging mistreatment and discrimination related to her pregnancy. Hammon, however, has firmly denied these allegations, maintaining that the decision to trade Hamby was purely a business move.
Background on the Allegations
Dearica Hamby, who was a key player in the Aces’ 2022 WNBA championship win, filed a lawsuit last week claiming she faced “repeated acts of intimidation, discrimination, and retaliation” from the Las Vegas Aces after revealing her pregnancy in mid-2022. Hamby asserts that the WNBA failed to conduct a thorough investigation into her claims, prompting her to seek legal action.
Hammon’s Rebuttal
Following the Aces’ 87-71 victory over Hamby and the Sparks on Sunday, Hammon addressed the lawsuit in a postgame press conference. She reiterated her stance, emphasizing her long-standing professional record. “I’ve been in either the WNBA or the NBA for 25 years. I’ve never had an HR complaint, not once,” Hammon stated. “Dearica didn’t file any complaint with the players’ union or the WNBA. Those are facts.”
Hammon also highlighted that the idea of trading Hamby only arose after Atlanta reached out to the Aces in January 2023, refuting any suggestion that the trade was a result of Hamby’s pregnancy. “Nobody made a call about trading her until Atlanta called us. That’s a fact. So … it just didn’t happen,” Hammon said, adding that she maintained daily communication with Hamby throughout the period.
The Timeline of Events
Hamby, who had been with the Aces since they were known as the San Antonio Stars, re-signed with the team in June 2022 on a two-year extension. According to the lawsuit, the Aces offered several incentives as part of this contract, including team-provided housing and private school tuition for Hamby’s daughter. However, Hamby alleges that after she disclosed her pregnancy in August 2022, the Aces began to withdraw these benefits, and Hammon allegedly questioned her commitment to the team.
In January 2023, Hamby was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks, a move that sparked controversy when Hamby publicly accused the Aces of discrimination via social media. The WNBA launched an investigation that led to Hammon receiving a two-game suspension for violating workplace respect policies, and the Aces were penalized by losing their 2025 first-round draft pick due to unrelated impermissible player benefits.
Hamby’s Legal Actions
Hamby’s dissatisfaction with the WNBA’s investigation and disciplinary measures led her to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in September 2023. After receiving a “Notice of Right to Sue” from the EEOC in May 2024, Hamby filed her federal lawsuit. Her legal team emphasized that they pursued litigation to expedite the process and fully explore the facts, as an extended EEOC investigation could have taken years.
WNBA and Aces’ Responses
Both the WNBA and the Las Vegas Aces have expressed their intent to review Hamby’s lawsuit thoroughly. While the WNBA has stated they are aware of the legal filing and are in the process of reviewing it, the Aces have stood by their previous statements made in May 2023, following the league’s investigation.
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Hammon’s Defense
Becky Hammon has remained steadfast in her defense, insisting that Hamby’s pregnancy did not influence the trade decision. “It wasn’t a problem, and it never was why we made the decision,” Hammon said in May 2023. She explained that the trade was driven by financial and strategic considerations, allowing the team to sign three players under Hamby’s contract. One of these signees was Candace Parker, a renowned WNBA star, contributing to the Aces’ successful 2023 season, culminating in another championship win.
Looking Ahead
As the legal battle unfolds, Hammon and the Aces continue to focus on their on-court performance, while Hamby, now in her second season with the Sparks, remains determined in her pursuit of justice. Hamby, who gave birth to her son in April 2023, has demonstrated resilience, playing all 40 games last season with the Sparks and earning All-Star honors in July.
The situation between Becky Hammon and Dearica Hamby underscores the complexities of balancing professional sports careers with personal life changes, such as pregnancy. While the legal process will ultimately determine the outcome of Hamby’s claims, the case highlights ongoing challenges faced by female athletes in managing their careers while navigating personal milestones.