Becky Hammon, coach of the Las Vegas Aces, has been suspended for two games after an investigation into allegations of discrimination against a pregnant player. The team also lost a 2025 first-round Draft for violating WNBA player rights rules.
Becky Hammon’s suspension comes after Dearica Hamby, drafted by the franchise in 2015, said in January that she had been “bullied” and “manipulated” by the franchise after becoming pregnant with her second child. A few weeks after his multi-year contract extension with the Aces, and the announcement of the happy event, the management had finally decided to trade him to the Los Angeles Sparks in January.
“Being traded is part of the business. Being the victim of lies, intimidation, manipulation and discrimination is not. They attacked my personality and my work ethic. Dearica Hamby posted in a post on her Instagram account in January. “I was promised things to encourage me to sign my contract extension which were not followed up”.
A damaged image
Alerted by this message, the league conducted an investigation and heard from no less than 33 people. The WNBA also reviewed numerous text messages, emails and other written documents, and concluded that Becky Hammon had made inappropriate comments to Dearica Hamby in relation to her pregnancy. For its management of this affair, the franchise is therefore deprived of a first round of Draft in 2025.
Sanctions which considerably tarnish the image of the defending champion, but also of Becky Hammon, best coach of the year.
“The Aces failed to follow league rules and regulations and were penalized accordingly. We are also disappointed with the violation of our respectful workplace policies and remain committed to ensuring that enhanced training is provided and standards are upheld across all WNBA teams.” WNBA boss Cathy Engelbert said in a statement.
