WNBA Star Hamby Sues Aces Over Pregnancy Treatment

Hamby alleges discrimination and retaliation in lawsuit
By Newser.AI Read our AI policy
Posted Aug 13, 2024 5:00 AM CDT
WNBA Star Hamby Sues Aces Over Pregnancy Treatment
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)

Los Angeles Sparks All-Star Dearica Hamby has initiated legal action against the WNBA and her previous team, the Las Vegas Aces, over alleged mistreatment during her pregnancy. The lawsuit, filed on Monday, claims the Aces engaged in discrimination and retaliation, resulting in Hamby's trade to the Sparks in January 2023. A WNBA spokesperson confirmed the league knew of the legal filing and was reviewing it.

The Aces, who have disputed the allegations, previously argued that the trade was a strategic move to sign future Hall of Famer Candace Parker. "We made the decision to move Hamby because we could get three bodies in her one contract," said coach Becky Hammon in May 2023. "I think it's very evident (with) who we signed on why we made the move." However, an investigation by the WNBA led to Hammon's two-game suspension in May 2023 and the Aces forfeiting their 2025 first-round draft pick for providing impermissible player benefits related to Hamby.

Hamby found that response insufficient. She filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in September, later amended in October, and received a "right to sue" determination in May. Hamby's attorneys stated, "The WNBA is... a workplace, and federal laws have long shielded pregnant women from discrimination on the job. The response was a light tap on the wrist." (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X