WNBA Suspends Coach Becky Hammon Over Pregnancy Comments Toward Dearica Hamby

1. The Decision: Two-Game Suspension and Loss of Draft Pick

In a rare and unprecedented move by the WNBA, Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon was suspended without pay for two games, and the team lost its 2025 first-round draft pick, after an investigation into allegations made by former player Dearica Hamby. The league cited violations of its “respect in the workplace” policy and rules regarding impermissible player benefits **Reddit+15ESPN.com+15Sporting News+15**.

This marks the first time in WNBA history that a team has been stripped of a draft pick due to internal violations. These sanctions will affect the Aces’ roster planning for two seasons, as they had already traded their 2024 first-round pick. **Fox SportsESPN.com**

2. What Sparked the Investigation?

Dearica Hamby, a key member of the Aces’ 2022 championship team and two-time Sixth Woman of the Year, filed complaints alleging mistreatment and discrimination after announcing her pregnancy around August 2022. She claimed that after signing a contract extension, team leadership—including Hammon—questioned her character and commitment because she was expecting a second child. Hamby further alleged that perks such as housing assistance and tuition support promised in the extension were revoked after news of her pregnancy emerged. **Sporting News+1Wikipedia+1**

In response, the WNBA launched a months-long investigation, which involved interviewing 33 individuals—including league and team personnel—and examining documents, messages, and contract negotiation records. The investigation found evidence warranting disciplinary action. **Fox Sports+15ESPN.com+15thehill.com+15**

3. Hammon’s Suspension Explained

The two-game suspension stemmed from Hammon’s comments regarding Hamby’s pregnancy, which the league categorized as unprofessional and disrespectful. Though specific remarks were not publicly disclosed, Hammon later acknowledged that raising questions about pregnancy may have been a “misstep”. The WNBA emphasized the need to uphold its Respect in the Workplace standard. **Swish Appeal+11Fox Sports+11sbnation.com+11**

Hammon has denied allegations of bullying. In press conferences following the incident, she stated that she had over 25 years in pro basketball without an HR complaint. She asserted that Hamby never filed formal grievances with the league or the players’ union. **Wikipedia+2ESPN.com+2People.com+2**

4. The Draft Pick Penalty: A Historical First

Separately, the league penalized the Aces by revoking their 2025 first-round draft pick for offering impermissible benefits to Hamby during contract negotiations—specifically, incentives tied to an extension that went unfulfilled. This penalty represents a landmark enforcement of league rules. **Wikipedia+10Sporting News+10Reddit+10**

These violations relate to WNBA collective bargaining agreement protections, including those for maternity leave, cap exceptions, and agreed-upon contract terms. By offering and then withdrawing these benefits, the Aces breached the league’s ethical standards. **ESPN.comsi.com**

5. Hamby Reacts: Legal Pursuits and Personal Transition

Dearica Hamby issued a statement following the ruling:

“Being traded is part of the business. Being lied to, bullied, manipulated and discriminated against is not.” **Sporting News+15ESPN.com+15Swish Appeal+15**

Hamby emphasized emotional distress and the erosion of trust in the organization. She also acknowledged her transition to the Los Angeles Sparks, where she gave birth in early 2023 and returned to the court with determination. **si.comWikipedia**

In August 2024, Hamby filed a federal lawsuit against the WNBA and the Aces. Her complaint alleges retaliation, pregnancy discrimination, and wrongful termination of promises related to her contract extension. She is seeking financial remedies and a declaration of rights. **New York Post+3sbnation.com+3ESPN.com+3**

6. Response and Backlash: League, Union & Public Opinion

WNBA and Aces Responses

The WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert issued a statement emphasizing the league’s commitment to ethical standards and fair treatment. The Aces organization responded with disappointment at the investigation’s outcome but reaffirmed their commitment to players and their belief in Coach Hammon’s character. **Sporting News+3thehill.com+3Reddit+3**

Players’ Union Reaction

The WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) criticized the penalties as insufficient. They argued that the league had missed an opportunity to send a clear message about respecting maternity rights as outlined in the 2020 CBA. The union called for stronger protections and enforcement. **ESPN.comESPN.com**

Fans and Media

Social media and forums showed divided reactions: some users backed Hamby, citing systemic discrimination in sports culture, while others praised Hammon’s coaching record and believed the penalties were too harsh. Posts from Reddit acknowledged the WNBA’s internal discipline as evidence of misconduct, suggesting Hamby’s accounts are credible. **Reddit+1Reddit+1**

7. Broader Implications for WNBA Culture

Pregnancy Protections in Sports

The case exposes gaps in how professional women’s sports leagues accommodate pregnancy. Although maternity benefits exist under the WNBA’s CBA and federal laws like the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, Hamby’s experience underscores a failure to enforce these protections equitably. **ESPN.comSwish Appeal**

Organizational Accountability

This scandal raises questions about organizational culture within the Aces and across the league. Females in leadership positions—players and coaches alike—are expected to model player empowerment. Hamby’s claims suggest entrenched bias and a disconnect between policy and practice. **Sporting Newssi.com**

Precedent in Disciplinary Action

Stripping a draft pick is a historic league sanction, signaling strict enforcement. However, critics note that penalizing future talent for past infractions still punishes future players indirectly. The WNBPA pointed this out as a key limitation of the league’s disciplinary approach. **Sporting NewsESPN.com**

8. The Current State of the Lawsuit

A case update from early 2025 reveals that Hamby’s federal lawsuit has not been settled. After an Early Neutral Evaluation (ENE) hearing in January 2025, no resolution was reached. Discovery continues under court supervision, with the WNBA and Aces filing motions to dismiss. **Reddit**

Hamby reportedly remains confident, while her legal team and league opposition prepare for federal proceedings in Nevada. **Redditsbnation.com**

9. Looking Forward: Lessons and Legacy

Cultural Reforms in Sports Leagues
Hamby’s case may compel the WNBA to implement clearer, enforceable policies on pregnancy, workplace respect, and contract negotiations.

Trust and Transparency
Public trust hinges on transparent investigations. The league’s refusal to release the full findings fueled skepticism that disciplinary decisions may lack accountability.

Empowerment vs. Access
As Hamby and other players champion rights for parents, leagues may adopt systems to ensure players aren’t penalized for starting families mid-career.

10. Conclusion

The WNBA’s suspension of Becky Hammon, coupled with a historical penalty against the Las Vegas Aces, represents a watershed moment in how professional sports address discrimination, workplace conduct, and maternity rights. Dearica Hamby’s journey—from champion player to public critic—has opened a national dialogue on power, policy, and parity in women’s sports.

Though Hammon denies wrongdoing and maintains she acted in the best interest of the team, the organization’s handling of Hamby’s pregnancy has garnered widespread scrutiny. As Hamby’s lawsuit moves forward in court, the league faces pressure to reaffirm its commitment to players’ dignity—and to prove that its values match its codes.

This story isn’t just about one coach, one player, or one trade. It’s about the evolving culture of respect and fairness within a league that must fully reconcile representation with principle.