Los Angeles Sparks star Dearica Hamby has taken legal action against the WNBA and her former team, the Aces, alleging intimidation, discrimination, and retaliation both before and after her trade to the Sparks in 2023 while she was pregnant. The WNBA investigated and suspended Aces coach Becky Hammon for two games, as well as forfeited a first-round draft selection. However, Hamby’s attorneys argued that the league’s response was inadequate, stating that pregnant women are protected under federal laws and should not face discrimination in the workplace. They believe Hamby’s situation should serve as a warning for other potential mothers in the league.
Hamby, a three-time WNBA All-Star and two-time Sixth Woman of the Year, was a key member of the Aces’ 2022 championship team before being traded to the Sparks. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court of Nevada, as the Stars franchise relocated to Las Vegas and became the Aces. Despite the league’s investigation into Hamby’s claims, she and her legal team felt that the consequences were not sufficient, leading to her decision to take legal action. The attorneys representing Hamby emphasized the importance of protecting pregnant women in the workplace, especially in a professional sports league like the WNBA.
The lawyers representing Hamby, from HKM Employment Attorneys, expressed outrage at the treatment she received from the Aces and the lack of a strong response from the WNBA. They believe that the league failed to adequately address Hamby’s discrimination claims, sending a message that pregnancy could negatively impact a player’s career prospects in the WNBA. By taking legal action, Hamby hopes to bring attention to the issue and set a precedent to protect other women in the league who may face similar challenges in the future. The lawsuit aims to hold both the WNBA and the Aces accountable for their actions.
Hamby’s decision to take legal action has sparked conversation around the treatment of pregnant women in the WNBA and other professional sports leagues. As a high-profile player and former champion, Hamby’s case sheds light on the challenges that female athletes face when balancing their careers with motherhood. The lawsuit serves as a reminder that discrimination against pregnant women is illegal in the workplace and should not be tolerated, especially in a progressive and dynamic women’s sports league like the WNBA. Hamby’s case has brought attention to the need for better protections and support for women in professional sports who choose to start a family during their careers.
The lack of a response from the WNBA and the Aces to Hamby’s legal action highlights the ongoing challenges that women face in the sports industry when it comes to issues like pregnancy discrimination. The lawsuit filed by Hamby sets a precedent for other female athletes who may experience similar treatment in the future, sending a message that discrimination against pregnant women will not be tolerated. By taking a stand against the WNBA and her former team, Hamby is fighting for the rights of all women in professional sports and advocating for a more inclusive and supportive environment for mothers in the league. It remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold and what impact they will have on the treatment of pregnant athletes in the WNBA and beyond.
