Former Las Vegas Aces forward Dearica Hamby has formally filed a lawsuit against the Aces and the WNBA, alleging discrimination, intimidation, and retaliation after she disclosed her pregnancy.
Hamby was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks in January 2023, and she noticed a change in the team’s treatment towards her following her pregnancy announcement.
The lawsuit highlights that Hamby was made to leave team-provided housing and the Aces failed to fulfill their promise to cover her daughter’s private school tuition.
For the complete lawsuit, click here.
Hamby also claims that Aces head coach Becky Hammon bullied her and accused her of lacking commitment to the team.
An incident detailed in the lawsuit describes a conversation between Hamby and Hammon, where Hamby asked, “You’re trading me because I’m pregnant?”
The league conducted an investigation prior to the last season, resulting in Hammon being suspended for two games and the Aces losing their 2025 first-round draft pick.
Hamby’s attorney asserts that the Aces unjustly treated her client upon learning of her pregnancy, violating federal laws safeguarding pregnant women from discrimination in the workplace.
In May 2023, coach Hammon refuted Hamby’s claims and presented her viewpoint on the situation.
Watch what head coach Becky Hammon had to say here:
Becky Hammon on Hamby lawsuit
Scripps News Las Vegas approached the Aces for a statement on the lawsuit but did not receive a response at the time of publication.
This article was originally authored by Johnny Resendiz at Scripps News Las Vegas.
