Dearica Hamby, a three-time WNBA all-star, has filed a lawsuit against the league and her former team, the Las Vegas Aces, accusing them of discrimination and retaliation due to her pregnancy.
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Hamby claims that she was unfairly treated and intimidated by the team, which ultimately led to her being traded to the Los Angeles Sparks in January 2023.
The lawsuit, filed in a Nevada district court, alleges that the Aces’ actions violated both federal and state anti-discrimination laws.
Hamby’s attorneys argue that the WNBA failed to address these violations. The lawsuit seeks damages, both compensatory and punitive.
Hamby, who played for the Aces from 2015 to 2022 and won a WNBA championship in her final season with them, had signed a two-year contract extension in June 2022.
She discovered her pregnancy shortly after signing the extension and informed team officials about it. Hamby publicly announced her pregnancy after winning the championship in September 2022.
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Photo via Fox News
Following her announcement, Hamby claims that the treatment she received from the Aces changed significantly.
In January 2023, during a phone call with Aces head coach Becky Hammon, Hamby was reportedly told that her pregnancy was a concern and that the team needed players who could contribute immediately.
Hammon allegedly questioned Hamby about her contract extension, accusing her of signing it while knowing she was pregnant, which Hamby denies.
Hamby gave birth in March 2023 and joined the Sparks for their training camp in late April. She played in all 40 of their regular-season games.
The WNBA is aware of the lawsuit and is currently reviewing it. The Aces have not yet commented on the matter.
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