The WNBA players’ union announced on Saturday that it will evaluate Dearica Hamby’s allegations against the Aces’ management after the team transferred the two-time All-Star to the Sparks. The 29-year-old Hamby said in an Instagram post that the Aces criticized her character and work ethic.
Hamby commented, “Being traded is a part of the business,” It is not acceptable to be lied to, bullied, misled, or discriminated against.
The AP left a message seeking response from the Aces.
In June, Hamby signed a two-year contract extension with Las Vegas. In her Instagram post, she claimed that Aces management informed her that she was pregnant at the time of the contract.
Hamby wrote: “This is false,” “I was told that I was a ‘question mark’ and that it was said that I said I would ‘get pregnant again’ and there was a concern for my level of commitment to the team.”
She added that the Aces expressed fear that Hamby would not be ready for this season. Hamby stated that she intends to play this year.
Hamby writes, “I remained transparent with everyone within the organization, and yet, my honesty was met with coldness, disrespect, and disregard from members of management,” Since day one, before any of them were here, I have solely placed this organization first.
The Women’s National Basketball Players Association stated that it would “seek a comprehensive investigation ” to ensure that Hamby’s rights under the league’s 2020 collective bargaining agreement and state and federal laws were not violated.
The Sparks also obtained the Aces’ first-round pick in 2024 in exchange for Amanda Zahui B.’s exclusive negotiation rights and their own second-round pick in 2024.
The addition of Dearica to our roster along with a future first-round pick was a smart move, according to Sparks general manager Karen Bryant. “We’re excited to have another key piece in place as we start free agency.”
Hamby played her first eight WNBA seasons with the same organization, dating back to when the Aces were known as the Silver Stars in San Antonio. The 6’3″ forward was selected sixth overall in the 2015 draft.
Hamby was the 2019 and 2020 WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year. Hamby averaged 9.3 points and 7.1 rebounds for the Aces during their inaugural WNBA championship season. A knee issue restricted her in the postseason.
“Dearica has dedicated eight years of her career to this organization, and played a big role in our success since the team moved to Las Vegas,” stated Aces general manager Natalie Williams in a press release. We will miss her as a teammate and are appreciative of her services to the Aces throughout the years.
Last September, Hamby announced at the Aces’ victory parade that she was expecting her second child. Amaya, age 5, accompanied her mother during the 2020 season, which was played in a bubble in Florida due to the pandemic. They were featured in the documentary titled “144.”
Last season, Zahui B. did not participate in the WNBA because the Sparks placed her on suspension. In seven seasons, she has averaged 6.2% points.
On May 27, 2023, the Aces will host their opening game of the 2023 season against the Sparks.
»WNBA athlete asserts her team bullied her after learning she was pregnant«