Dearica Hamby Files Discrimination Lawsuit Against WNBA and Las Vegas Aces
Three-time WNBA All-Star Dearica Hamby has taken legal action against the league and her former team, the Las Vegas Aces, filing a discrimination and unlawful retaliation lawsuit. The lawsuit, announced by a public relations firm representing Hamby’s attorneys, accuses the Aces of unfair treatment due to her pregnancy, leading to her trade to the Los Angeles Sparks in January 2023. The lawsuit seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages for the alleged violations.
Allegations of Discrimination and Retaliation
Hamby’s lawsuit claims she was subjected to “repeated acts of intimidation, discrimination, and retaliation” by the Las Vegas Aces, which culminated in her trade after she revealed her pregnancy. The lawsuit argues that the WNBA failed to address these violations of her rights under federal and state anti-discrimination laws, highlighting the need for accountability within the league. The Aces have yet to comment on the lawsuit, while the WNBA stated it is reviewing the complaint.
Hamby’s Journey with the Las Vegas Aces
Dearica Hamby had been a key player for the Aces from 2015 to 2022, even securing a WNBA championship with the team in her final season. She signed a two-year contract extension in June 2022, but her relationship with the team soured after she informed them of her pregnancy in August 2022. Hamby continued to play through the season, helping the Aces win the championship, but noticed a change in how she was treated by the team after announcing her pregnancy publicly.
The Controversial Trade and Accusations
In January 2023, Hamby was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks, a move she believes was motivated by her pregnancy. The lawsuit details a phone call with Aces head coach Becky Hammon, where Hamby was told she was a “question mark” for the upcoming season. Despite Hamby’s reassurances that she would be ready to play post-pregnancy, she was accused of signing her contract extension while knowingly pregnant. Hammon did not deny that the trade was due to Hamby’s pregnancy, fueling the claims in the lawsuit.
The WNBA’s Response and Penalties
Following Hamby’s public accusations in January 2023, the WNBA launched an investigation, resulting in a two-game suspension for Hammon and the Aces losing their 2025 first-round draft pick. The league cited Hammon’s comments to Hamby during her pregnancy as a violation of workplace policies, but Hamby’s attorneys argue that the penalties were insufficient. They criticize the WNBA for what they see as a lack of serious action against pregnancy discrimination in the league.
Legal Protections and the Impact on WNBA Players
The lawsuit highlights the broader implications for WNBA players who are or may become mothers. Hamby’s attorneys emphasize that federal laws protect pregnant women from discrimination in the workplace, yet the treatment Hamby received sends a troubling message to other athletes. The WNBPA, the players’ union, expressed disappointment in the WNBA’s handling of the situation, reiterating the protections gained in the 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement to ensure parenthood does not end a player’s career.
Hamby’s Performance and Continued Success
Despite the challenges, Hamby has continued to excel in her career. After giving birth to her son in March 2023, she reported to training camp with the Sparks and played in all 40 regular-season games. Her performance has been stellar, averaging 19.2 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, earning her a spot in the All-Star game for the third time. Hamby’s resilience and determination have been evident as she continues to build her legacy in the WNBA.
A New Beginning with the Los Angeles Sparks
Hamby’s lawsuit comes as she finds stability with the Los Angeles Sparks, where she recently signed a contract extension through 2025. She expressed gratitude for the support she has received from the Sparks organization, which contrasts sharply with her experiences with the Aces. Hamby looks forward to contributing to the team’s success and helping restore the Sparks to their former glory in the WNBA.
The Future of Pregnancy Discrimination in Sports
Dearica Hamby’s lawsuit against the WNBA and Las Vegas Aces brings to light the ongoing issue of pregnancy discrimination in professional sports. As the case unfolds, it will likely set a precedent for how leagues handle similar situations in the future. The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for athlete rights and the treatment of pregnant players across all sports.(jilibet)