WNBA Investigating Dearica Hamby’s Allegations Against Aces

The Aces confirmed Wednesday evening that they know about the WNBA’s investigation into Dearica Hamby’s allegations against the franchise. The probe, per Las Vegas, was launched on Wednesday.

The two-time WNBA All Star was traded from the Aces to the Sparks last month, and in wake of the move, Hamby detailed on Instagram “traumatic” events that occurred during her time with the Aces and what led to her trade. While she knows being traded was “part of the business,” the 29-year-old pointed out that being “lied to, bullied, manipulated and discriminated” is not.

“I have had my character and work ethic attacked,” Hamby wrote. “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 said 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 expected me to get pregnant in the next two years.”

Last September during the Aces’ championship celebratory parade, Hamby announced she was pregnant with her second child. The two-time All-Star detailed in her Instagram post last month how the franchise asked if it was planned, and while Hamby told them no, she says the team felt she “was not taking precautions to not get pregnant.” She was later traded, saying it was 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,” Hamby wrote. “I have pushed myself throughout my pregnancy and have continued to work out (basketball included) on my own and with team staff—even on days where it was uncomfortable to walk, only to be inaccurately told that “I was not taking my workouts seriously.” And, “yeah we just don’t see that” (with my return).”

The Aces said in their Wednesday statement, in part, “As an organization whose mission is to support and celebrate the tremendously talented women in our league, we take seriously our responsibility to hold ourselves to the highest professional standards. We have been in contact with league investigators to assist with all information requested, and will continue to do so throughout the investigation.”

This investigation, though, is separate from the other probe the WNBA is conducting into the franchise. Howard Megdal of The Next reported earlier this week that the WNBA is investigating under-the-table payment offers to both current players and possible free agents, circumventing the salary cap.