WNBA Star Dearica Hamby sues League and Las Vegas Aces over pregnancy discrimination.
In a significant legal challenge, three-time WNBA All-Star Dearica Hamby has filed a lawsuit against her former team, the Las Vegas Aces, and the WNBA itself, alleging discrimination and retaliation related to her pregnancy.
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Allegations of discrimination
Dearica Hamby, renowned for her prowess on the basketball court, has brought serious allegations against the Las Vegas Aces, claiming that her pregnancy was the reason behind her trade to the Los Angeles Sparks. This legal action highlights ongoing issues within professional sports regarding the treatment of pregnant athletes.
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Details of the lawsuit
Filed in Nevada’s district court, Hamby’s lawsuit accuses the Aces of engaging in intimidation, discrimination, and retaliation, culminating in her trade in January 2023. Hamby alleges that these actions violated both federal and state anti-discrimination laws, which protect pregnant individuals from such unfair treatment.
Team and league response
The WNBA and the Las Vegas Aces have acknowledged the lawsuit, with the league reviewing the complaint and the team standing by their previous statements. They maintain that their decisions were in line with professional standards and were not influenced by Hamby’s pregnancy.
Background and developments
The lawsuit details interactions between Hamby and Aces’ coach Becky Hammon, where Hammon allegedly questioned Hamby’s commitment due to her pregnancy and suggested that it influenced the decision to trade her. Despite these claims, Hammon and the team leadership have publicly stated that the trade was a strategic decision unrelated to Hamby’s pregnancy.
WNBA’s actions
Following a complaint by Hamby in January 2023, the WNBA conducted an investigation which resulted in a two-game suspension for Hammon and the revocation of a future first-round draft pick from the Aces due to policy violations connected to Hamby’s situation.
Legal and cultural implications
This lawsuit not only challenges the actions of a specific team and the WNBA but also casts a spotlight on broader issues of workplace discrimination in sports. Hamby’s case underscores the difficulties that pregnant athletes face, and her legal battle could set a precedent for how sports leagues address and manage the rights of their athletes.
Hamby’s continuing career
Despite the challenges, Hamby remains a formidable force in the WNBA, now playing for the Los Angeles Sparks where she continues to excel on the court. Her performance and recent Olympic bronze medal win underscore her athletic capabilities and resilience.
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Dearica Hamby’s lawsuit against the Las Vegas Aces and the WNBA brings critical issues of pregnancy discrimination within professional sports into the public eye. By challenging her trade and the circumstances around it, Hamby seeks to not only address her grievances but also advocate for the rights of pregnant athletes, potentially influencing policies and practices in sports leagues nationwide.