Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby has filed a lawsuit against her former team, the Las Vegas Aces, and the WNBA, alleging workplace discrimination and retaliation due to her pregnancy. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, claims that Aces coach Becky Hammon accused Hamby of signing a contract extension while knowingly pregnant. Hamby, who found out she was pregnant after signing the extension, also alleges that Hammon insinuated she would get pregnant again for a third time.
After filing a complaint with the league office, Hamby claims the WNBA did not adequately investigate the matter and her marketing contract with the league was not renewed. The Aces traded Hamby to the Sparks in early 2023, and Hammon denied mistreating her at a news conference before the season. However, the WNBA suspended Hammon for two games for violating workplace policies over private comments related to Hamby’s pregnancy.
The lawsuit also revealed that the Aces agreed to cover private school tuition for Hamby’s elder child as part of her contract negotiations. Despite these challenges, Hamby has continued to excel on the court, earning her third career All-Star selection this season. She is currently posting career-high averages in points, rebounds, and assists through 24 games.
This legal action sheds light on the challenges female athletes may face in professional sports, particularly regarding pregnancy and workplace discrimination. It is essential for leagues and teams to ensure fair treatment for all players, regardless of their personal circumstances. As the case unfolds, it underscores the importance of supporting women in sports and advocating for inclusive and equitable practices across the industry.
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