Dearica Hamby Accuses Las Vegas Aces Of Doing Her Dirty
You would expect an all-female basketball team to understand the intricacies of having women on the team. With that, the potential of their players to become pregnant. According to Dearica Hamby, the Las Vegas Aces do not and she accuses them of trading her away because of it.
Hamby is a two-time WNBA All Star helped the Las Vegas Aces bring a World Championship to Las Vegas. In the 2022 season, she averaged 9.3 points per game with 7.1 rebounds. Stats good enough to put her in the top five of nearly every metric that matters. Probably why she spent her entire professional career with the Aces (and the San Antonio Stars, the Aces’ former location and name).
But her trade comes a few months after she announced she was pregnant with her second child. Now, Hamby is coming forward accusing the organization of trading her away due to that pregnancy.
Hamby’s statement regarding her trade from the Las Vegas Aces
“I am heartbroken. Being traded is part of the business. Being lied to, bullied, manipulated and discriminated against is not. I’ve had my character and work ethic attacked. I was promised things to entice me to sign my contract extension that were not followed through on. I was accused of signing my extension knowingly pregnant. This is false.
I was told that I was “a question mark” and that it was said that I would “get pregnant again” and there was a concern for my level of commitment to the team. I was told that “I didn’t hold up my end of the bargain” (because no one expected me to get pregnant in the next 2 years).
Did the team expect me to promise not to get pregnant in exchange for the contract extension? I was asked if I planned my pregnancy. When I responded “no,” I was then told that I “was not taking precautions to not get pregnant.”
I was being traded because “I wouldn’t be ready and we need bodies.” I planned to play this season, and I have expressed my desire to play this season. I have pushed myself throughout my entire pregnancy and have continued to work out (basketball included) on my own and with the team staff – even on days where it was uncomfortable to walk, only to be inaccurately told that “I was not taking my workout seriously.” And “yeah we just don’t see that” (with my return.)
I remained transparent with everyone within the organization, and yet, my honesty was met with coldness, disrespect, and disregard from members of management. I’ve only put this organization first since day one before any of them were here.
“You’re getting moved regardless and it’s best for your career that you move on from the Aces.” The unprofessional and unethical way that I’ve been treated has been traumatizing. To be treated this way by an organization, BY WOMEN who are mothers, who have claimed to “be in these shoes” who preach family, chemistry, and women’s empowerment is disappointing and leaves me sick to my stomach. We fought for provisions that would finally support and protect player parents. This cannot now be used against me.”
So far the Las Vegas Aces are not commenting, however the WNBA Players Union is investigating the matter.
