Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon addressed the lawsuit filed by former Aces player and current Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby, following the Aces’ 87-71 win over the Sparks. Speaking to reporters, Hammon refuted Hamby’s claims of “bullying” and maintained that the allegations were unfounded.
“I’ve been in either the WNBA or the NBA for now 25 years. I’ve never had an HR complaint. Never, not once. I still didn’t, actually, because Dearica didn’t file any,” Hammon stated, emphasizing that Hamby did not file complaints with the players’ union or the WNBA.
Becky Hammon didn’t hold back when asked about Dearica Hamby’s lawsuit against Aces https://t.co/PqBFBUIHTg
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) August 19, 2024
The legal dispute stems from Hamby’s January 2023 trade to the Sparks, which she alleges was prompted by her pregnancy. Hamby initially made the claim via social media, leading to an investigation by the WNBA. The league’s inquiry resulted in the Aces forfeiting their 2025 first-round draft pick due to providing Hamby with impermissible benefits, a separate violation, and Hammon receiving a two-game suspension for workplace policy violations.
Hamby, who filed a gender discrimination complaint in October, escalated the matter to formal litigation last week, providing further details. In the lawsuit, she alleges that Hammon accused her of signing a contract extension while knowingly pregnant, a claim Hamby denied. The extension was signed in June 2022, with Hamby announcing her pregnancy that September. Hamby also alleged that Hammon questioned her commitment to the team and her offseason preparations.
Hammon responded by reiterating that the decision to trade Hamby was based solely on basketball and financial considerations. “It came down to math and business. That’s all it was. Nothing personal,” she explained, noting that the Aces’ subsequent signings of Candace Parker, Alysha Clark, and Cayla George were part of the team’s strategic planning.
The Aces, in their response to the lawsuit, stood by their previous statement from May 2023, expressing disappointment with the WNBA’s investigation outcome but affirming their commitment to player well-being and their continued support for Hammon.
Becky Hammon Responds to Dearica Hamby’s Federal Lawsuit Allegations
Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon addressed former player Dearica Hamby’s federal lawsuit, asserting that Hamby’s allegations of “bullying” and pregnancy-related discrimination are unfounded. Hammon… pic.twitter.com/TXOXj0jfzN
— Freedom Square News (@Freedom_Square_) August 19, 2024
Despite the legal battle, Hamby played all 40 games for the Sparks in 2023, averaging 8.9 points and 5.9 rebounds, continuing her professional career amidst the ongoing controversy.
Key Points:
i. Becky Hammon, head coach of the Las Vegas Aces, addressed the federal lawsuit filed by former player Dearica Hamby, who now plays for the Los Angeles Sparks.
ii. Hammon refuted claims of “bullying” and emphasized that Hamby did not file any complaints with the WNBA, the players’ union, or the team’s HR.
iii. The Aces were penalized by the WNBA for giving Hamby impermissible benefits and Hammon was suspended for two games, following an investigation into the situation.
iv. Hamby alleges she was traded because of her pregnancy, a claim Hammon denies, asserting the trade was made for basketball reasons and financial strategy.
v. The Aces maintain their stance from May 2023, expressing disappointment with the WNBA’s findings and reaffirming their support for Hammon.
Al Santana – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
