Coach Hammon Denies Hamby's Pregnancy Mistreatment Claim

Hammon cites lack of formal complaints and strategic trade reasons
By Newser.AI Read our AI policy
Posted Aug 19, 2024 10:03 AM CDT
Coach Hammon Denies Hamby's Pregnancy Mistreatment Claim
Chicago Sky's Angel Reese (5) drives to the basket as Los Angeles Sparks' Dearica Hamby defends during the first half of a WNBA basketball game, May 30, 2024, in Chicago. Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese will once again step into the spotlight during All-Star Weekend with their matchup against Team USA.   (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)

Las Vegas coach Becky Hammon has again denied claims by former Aces player Dearica Hamby that her trade to Los Angeles in January 2023 was due to her pregnancy. Hamby, a member of the team from 2015-22, has sued the WNBA and her old team in federal court, alleging mistreatment. Despite Hamby's public accusations, Hammon asserted, "Dearica didn't file any [complaints]. She didn't file with the players' union, she didn't file with the WNBA."

Hammon reiterated that the decision to trade Hamby was purely strategic, aiming to position the team to sign Candace Parker. "We made the decision to move Hamby because we could get three bodies in her one contract," Hammon explained. Responding to these claims, Hamby pursued legal action, arguing that the WNBA's investigation and subsequent suspension of Hammon for two games were insufficient.

The WNBA penalized the Aces in May 2023 by suspending Hammon and docking the team's first-round 2025 draft pick for providing impermissible player benefits involving Hamby. However, Hamby insists that this measure wasn't enough and has filed a formal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The EEOC granted her the right to sue, leading to the ongoing litigation. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)

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