WNBA suspends Becky Hammon, rescinds Aces’ first-round pick over treatment of pregnant Dearica Hamby

The WNBA stripped the Las Vegas Aces of their 2025 first-round draft pick and suspended coach Becky Hammon for two games following an investigation into the franchise’s violation of league rules related to impermissible player benefits and workplace policies.

The league, which announced the penalties Tuesday, found that the organization had violated the policies in regards to promises of impermissible benefits during contract extension negotiations for former Aces player Dearica Hamby.

The investigation was triggered by a report that claimed the Aces were offering under-the-table payments to current players and free agents they were trying to sign.

Hamby alleged on social media in January that she was ‘traumatized’ by the ‘unprofessional and unethical way’ she was treated after she announced her pregnancy and subsequent trade to the Los Angeles Sparks. 

Comments head coach Hammon made to Hamby in connection to the player’s pregnancy violated the WNBA’s Respect in the Workplace policy, according to the league.

The WNBA rescinded the Las Vegas Aces’ 2025 first-round draft pick and suspended coach Becky Hammon (pictured) for two games following an investigation into a rules violation

The league found that the Aces had violated the policies in regards to promises of impermissible benefits during contract negotiations for former player Dearica Hamby (above)

Hamby claimed that she was traded by the Aces because they feared she’d get pregnant again

The reigning WNBA champions are also without a first-round pick in the 2024 draft due to a previous trade. 

The WNBA Players Association said the penalty ‘misses the mark’ and claimed that it actually penalized a future player by taking away an extra job opportunity. 

A WNBAPA statement read: ‘Where in this decision does this team or any other team across the League learn the lesson that respect in the workplace is the highest standard and a player’s dignity cannot be manipulated? 

‘Incidents of misconduct by a team staff cannot always be compared but recent penalties imposed by the League, and an honest view of the facts, demonstrate that this penalty is far from appropriate. 

‘While taking away a future draft pick is significant and had never been done in the League’s history, it penalizes a future player by removing an opportunity to compete for a job.’

The Players Association added that it would continue to support Hamby as she considers the league’s ‘decision and explores all available remedies.’

Hamby was traded this offseason on January 21 to the Los Angeles Sparks. The Aces were trying to clear up salary-cap room to sign two-time MVP Candace Parker, who agreed to a deal January 28.

She publicly made her allegations against the Aces following the move, accusing the front office of trading her because they feared she would ‘get pregnant again’.

Hamby was pregnant with her second child during at the time (pictured with daughter Amaya)

Hamby’s daughter Amaya accompanied her in the bubble during the 2020 Covid-hit season

Hamby, who was pregnant with her second child, claimed her former organization treated her in an ‘unprofessional and unethical way that … has been traumatizing’ due to her pregnancy.

At the time, she did not specify in her allegations which member of the organization made the disparaging comments. 

Hamby agreed to a two-year contract extension with Las Vegas in June. After she was traded, she posted on Instagram: ‘Being traded is a part of the business. Being lied to, bullied, manipulated, and discriminated against is not.’

The WNBA launched an investigation into Hamby’s allegations, which included interviews with 33 people and a review of numerous texts, emails and documents, the league said. 

‘It is critical that we uphold the values of integrity and fairness, which create a level playing field for our teams,’ WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement. 

‘The Aces failed to adhere to league rules and regulations and have been disciplined accordingly. We are also disheartened by the violation of our Respect in the Workplace policies and remain committed to ensuring that enhanced training is conducted and standards are followed across all WNBA teams.’ 

Hamby claimed that her former organization treated her in an ‘unprofessional and unethical way that … has been traumatizing’ due to her pregnancy

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert claimed the league was ‘disheartened’ by the violation

The Aces’ first home game of the 2023 season will be May 27 against the Sparks.

Hamby announced at the Aces’ championship parade last September that she was expecting her second child. Hamby’s 5-year-old daughter Amaya accompanied her mother during the 2020 season, which was played in a bubble in Florida because of the pandemic. They were among those featured in the documentary ‘144.’ 

Hamby spent her first eight WNBA seasons with the same franchise, dating to the Aces’ days in San Antonio as the Silver Stars. The 6-foot-3 forward was the sixth overall pick in the 2015 draft.

Hamby was the WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year in 2019 and 2020. Hamby averaged 9.3 points and 7.1 rebounds for the Aces last season when they won their first WNBA championship. She was limited in the playoffs due to a knee injury.