Dearica Hamby claims WNBA and Las Vegas Aves discriminated during pregnancy

A spokesperson for the WNBA stated, “The league conducted a thorough investigation of the allegations and levied appropriate discipline based on its findings.” However, Hamby’s complaint, which names the league as a respondent, escalates her public complaints and poses a challenge for the WNBA, which is set to announce the addition of an expansion team and commence the Finals featuring Hamby’s former team.

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According to Hamby’s complaint, the WNBA’s investigation into her allegations was flawed, failing to interview current Aces players or provide any remedy following the league’s finding of Aces’ rule violations. Hamby asserts that these shortcomings in the investigation were in retaliation for her public statements regarding the trade.

The complaint also reveals disturbing details about the treatment of Hamby by Hammon, who was named the WNBA’s coach of the year in 2022. Hammon allegedly asked Hamby if she had planned her pregnancy and accused her of not taking precautions. The complaint states that Hammon told Hamby that she was not fulfilling her contractual obligations because the Aces did not anticipate her getting pregnant during her contract extension period.

After Hammon informed Hamby about the team’s decision to trade her, Hamby questioned, “You’re trading me because I’m pregnant?” Hammon responded, “What do you want me to do?”

Hamby further alleges that the Aces retaliated against her by instructing camera operators not to show images of her daughter on the videoboard and by cutting off communication with her after she went public with her experiences.

While the WNBA has received praise for its treatment of pregnant players, thanks to a historic collective bargaining agreement in 2020 that offers maternity leave at full pay and guaranteed benefits for parents, Hamby’s case highlights ongoing issues with pregnancy discrimination. Skylar Diggins-Smith, a player for the Phoenix Mercury, has also spoken out about being prevented from using team facilities during her maternity leave.

Hamby has chosen not to comment on the matter, and the Aces have not yet responded to requests for comment. The EEOC, which cannot disclose or comment on individual complaints, has confirmed receipt of the complaint.