The WNBA and Las Vegas Aces have taken legal action to dismiss the federal lawsuit brought forth by former Las Vegas player Dearica Hamby, who alleges mistreatment related to her pregnancy. Hamby's lawsuit, filed approximately a month ago, claims that the Aces engaged in discrimination and retaliation against her, ultimately leading to her trade to the Los Angeles Sparks in January 2023.
The league has contended that Hamby lacks the standing to sue the WNBA as she is not directly employed by the organization. Motions to dismiss were officially filed on Wednesday, with the WNBA also refuting allegations that it failed to adequately investigate Hamby's claims. In response to the situation, the league took action by suspending Aces coach Becky Hammon for two games without pay and penalizing the Aces by forfeiting their first-round 2025 draft pick due to impermissible player benefits involving Hamby.
Furthermore, the WNBA denied accusations that it neglected to extend Hamby's marketing agreement as a form of retaliation, citing a significant gap between her complaint and the contract expiration as evidence against causation. The Aces, as the two-time defending champions, argued in their motion that Hamby did not provide sufficient evidence of discrimination or retaliation.
Hamby, a bronze-medal winner in 3X3 women's basketball at the recent Olympic Games, lodged a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in September, later amending the filing in October. The commission ruled in May that she had the right to pursue legal action.
Hamby's attorneys emphasized the importance of protecting pregnant women from workplace discrimination, asserting that the Aces' actions set a concerning precedent for expectant mothers in the league. The ongoing investigation into a sponsorship deal offered to the Aces by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, providing financial support to players, adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
Despite the legal back-and-forth, Hamby continues to excel on the court, achieving career highs in points and rebounds this season. Her performance as a two-time WNBA Sixth Player of the Year has solidified her status as an All-Star, further underscoring the significance of the legal dispute surrounding her trade and treatment by the Aces and the WNBA.
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