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WNBA star Dearica Hamby has released a remarkable statement criticizing the Las Vegas Aces and accusing the front office of trading her because they feared she would “get pregnant again.”
The explosive claims, posted in a lengthy Instagram post on Saturday night, have prompted an investigation by the WNBPA, the players’ union, which says the “serious concerns” are now being investigated.
Hamby, a two-time WNBA All-Star, was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday, and the Aces also gave away a 2024 first-round pick in exchange for exclusive negotiating rights to Amanda Zahui B, and the 2024 Sparks. second-round pick.
Dearica Hamby has released an explosive statement hitting the Las Vegas Aces front office
Hamby says that the Aces switched her because they were afraid she would get pregnant again.
But, according to Hamby, there’s more to the exchange than meets the eye, and she’s accused the organization of dumping her for more sinister off-the-field reasons.
In his statement, he thanked ‘the city of Las Vegas’, the team’s fans and the players, before pointing to the front office.
She began: ‘I am heartbroken. Being traded is part of the business. Being lied to, harassed, manipulated and discriminated against is not. My character and work ethic have been attacked.
‘They promised me things to tempt me to sign the extension of my contract that were not fulfilled. I was charged with knowingly signing my extension that I was pregnant. this is false I was told that I was “a question mark” and that I was said to have said that I would “get pregnant again” and there was concern about my level of commitment to the team.
‘I was told that I “didn’t keep my end of the bargain” (because “no one expected me to get pregnant in the next two years”). Did the team expect me to promise not to get pregnant in exchange for the contract extension? They asked me if I planned my pregnancy. When I answered “no”, they told me that “I was not taking precautions not to get pregnant.”
Hamby announced during the 2022 title pageant that she was expecting her second child.
Hamby’s daughter Amaya accompanied her in the bubble during the Covid-hit 2020 season
“They traded me because ‘I wouldn’t be ready and we need bodies.’ I was planning to play this season and have expressed my desire to play this season.
Hamby has played her entire eight-year WNBA career with the Aces organization, going back to when they were the San Antonio Silver Stars.
She announced during the team’s championship parade last September that she was expecting her second child.
Her first child, a daughter named Amaya, accompanied her in the team’s Covid bubble in Florida during the 2020 season when she was five years old.
In her statement on Saturday, Hamby insisted that she had “pushed herself” during her most recent pregnancy, practicing “even on days when it was uncomfortable to walk.”
She continued: ‘I remained transparent with everyone within the organization, and yet my honesty was met with coldness, disrespect and contempt from members of management.
Hamby is a two-time All-Star, but will now play basketball with the LA Sparks.
Hamby looks to pass the ball during a game against the Seattle Storm in August 2022
‘I’ve only put this organization first since the first day before any of them were here. “You’re going to get moved anyway and it’s better for your career if you leave the Aces.” The unprofessional and unethical way in which I have 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 parents of players. This can no longer be used against me.’
Hamby lifts his daughter to the hoop after a game at Staples Center in 2019
In a statement released shortly after Hamby’s explosive allegations, the WNBPA wrote: ‘A member of our Union has raised serious concerns regarding the conduct of members of Las Vegas Aces management.
“We will review this matter and seek a thorough investigation to ensure that your rights under the CBA 2020 collectively bargained provisions, as well as your rights and protections under state and federal law, have not been violated.”
When the trade was announced Saturday, Aces general manager Natalie Williams effusively praised the 6-foot-3 forward, saying the team “would miss her as a teammate and are grateful for all of her contributions.” to the Aces over the years.