WNBA Suspends Las Vegas Aces Head Coach Becky Hammon Amid Controversy Over Pregnancy-Related Comments

The WNBA has officially suspended Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon following a series of controversial and negative remarks she made about one of her players concerning the player’s pregnancy. This suspension marks a significant turning point in how the league handles sensitive issues related to player rights and respect within professional women’s basketball.

Hammon has been suspended for the first two games of the 2023 season, meaning the Aces will begin their title defense without their head coach on the sidelines for the opening matches. This is a considerable setback for the team and demonstrates the severity with which the league views the situation. In addition to the suspension, the Las Vegas Aces will lose their first-round draft pick in 2025—a heavy penalty imposed by the WNBA to underscore its commitment to maintaining a respectful and equitable work environment.

The suspension stems directly from Hammon’s inappropriate comments directed at player Dearica Hamby after Hamby revealed she was pregnant. Hamby, a two-time WNBA champion, was traded from Las Vegas to the Los Angeles Sparks, and she publicly accused the Aces organization of treating her poorly after learning about her pregnancy. Hamby claimed the treatment she received was “traumatic” both mentally and ethically. In a public Instagram post, she described the organization’s behavior as unprofessional and discriminatory, with her commitment and value questioned solely due to her pregnancy.

“Being traded is part of the business. Being lied to, bullied, manipulated, and discriminated against is not,” Hamby declared in a heartfelt social media post. She explained that her character and professional ethics were attacked, and she was promised contract renewal incentives that never materialized. Furthermore, she was accused of signing a contract extension while pregnant—an allegation she vehemently denied. Hamby was labeled as a “question mark,” with concerns expressed about her future pregnancies and doubts cast on her dedication to the team.

After an investigation that lasted at least a month, the WNBA determined that Hammon’s comments violated the league’s Workplace Respect Policy and infringed on player rights protections. This decision reflects the league’s clear stance on safeguarding players’ rights, particularly on delicate matters such as pregnancy and health care.

In addition to Hammon’s suspension, the league also investigated allegations that the Aces circumvented league salary rules and provided impermissible benefits during the offseason, especially related to the signing of Candace Parker. However, after thorough review, no evidence of wrongdoing was found.

The suspension of Becky Hammon has ignited widespread debate within the WNBA community and the broader sports world, raising urgent questions about how teams and coaching staffs treat female athletes facing personal challenges. Dearica Hamby’s case has become emblematic of the ongoing struggle for player rights, respect, and equality in women’s professional sports, highlighting the critical need to protect athletes from discriminatory practices.

The Las Vegas Aces organization now faces significant pressure to reform its internal policies and improve how it manages personnel matters, especially as the league grows in popularity and public attention. Fans and experts alike hope for a healthier and more supportive sporting environment—one that respects the rights and well-being of all players, particularly those balancing their careers with motherhood.

Meanwhile, Dearica Hamby continues to perform on the court and serves as an inspiration for young women pursuing professional sports careers. She remains steadfast in fighting for her rights and those of her peers. This incident is a wake-up call for all WNBA teams to foster a culture of respect, fairness, and empathy.

Overall, the decision to suspend Becky Hammon is not only a disciplinary action against an individual but also a significant step forward for the WNBA in protecting the rights of female athletes. It sends a powerful message about the league’s seriousness in addressing ethical violations and discrimination in modern sports. Stakeholders continue to monitor the case closely, hopeful that it will lead to deeper reforms and greater fairness and respect for all players in the league