Becky Hammon Denies Mistreatment Claims by Dearica Hamby
Las Vegas coach Becky Hammon has once again refuted former Aces player Dearica Hamby’s claims of mistreatment and discrimination due to her pregnancy. The controversy surrounding Hamby’s departure from the Aces has sparked a legal battle between the player, the WNBA, and her former team.
Hamby, who played for the Aces from 2015 to 2022 before being traded to Los Angeles, alleges that she was mistreated and ultimately traded because of her pregnancy. She was a key player for the organization, earning the Sixth Player of the Year award in both 2019 and 2020. However, her time with the Aces came to an abrupt end when she was traded to the Sparks in January 2023.
In response to Hamby’s accusations, Hammon has been vocal in defending the Aces’ decision to trade her. She emphasizes that there were no formal complaints filed by Hamby with the players’ union or the WNBA regarding mistreatment. Hammon asserts that the trade was a strategic move to bring in new talent and was not motivated by discriminatory practices.
Allegations and Legal Action
Hamby’s allegations against the Aces and the WNBA have escalated into a legal battle. Last Monday, she filed a lawsuit in federal court against both entities, claiming discrimination and mistreatment. The lawsuit alleges that Hamby was subjected to unfair treatment due to her pregnancy and that the Aces traded her as a result.
Despite the WNBA conducting an investigation into the matter, the league’s actions fell short of Hamby’s expectations. In May 2023, Hammon was suspended for two games without pay, and the Aces were penalized with the loss of their first-round draft pick in 2025 for providing impermissible benefits to Hamby.
Hamby’s legal action has further intensified the dispute, as she filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in September. The EEOC ruled in May that she had the right to sue, leading to the escalation of the legal battle between Hamby and the WNBA.
Becky Hammon’s Defense
Becky Hammon continues to stand by the Aces’ decision to trade Dearica Hamby, citing strategic reasons for the move. She emphasizes that the trade was not related to Hamby’s pregnancy but rather aimed at bolstering the team’s roster and signing high-profile players like Candace Parker.
Hammon’s statements regarding the trade highlight the complexities of player transactions in professional sports. While Hamby’s departure from the Aces may have been controversial, the decision was made with the team’s long-term goals in mind.
In her defense of the Aces’ actions, Hammon emphasizes the lack of formal complaints filed by Hamby regarding mistreatment. She underscores the importance of following proper procedures in addressing workplace issues and disputes, particularly in a professional sports setting.
Despite the legal challenges and public scrutiny surrounding the trade, Hammon remains steadfast in her belief that the Aces acted in the team’s best interests. The ongoing legal battle between Hamby, the WNBA, and the Aces underscores the complexities of player transactions and the challenges faced by athletes in professional sports.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will impact the future of both Dearica Hamby and the Las Vegas Aces. The outcome of the lawsuit and the ongoing debate over mistreatment and discrimination in professional sports will undoubtedly shape the narrative surrounding this contentious issue.
