WNBA Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon suspended
The breach announced Tuesday is related to Hammon’s comments to Dearica Hamby regarding the player’s recent pregnancy.
LAS VEGAS – The WNBA suspended Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon for two games on Tuesday for comments Hammon allegedly made to former Dearica Hamby player about her pregnancy.
Hammon has been suspended without pay following a months-long investigation that stemmed from Hamby’s allegation that she was bullied and manipulated because she was pregnant.
The WNBA found Hammon violated the union’s and team’s respect for workplace policies. The League also rescinded the ace’s first pick in the 2025 draft for violating the tournament’s rules regarding disallowed player interests. Las Vegas didn’t have a 2024 pick in the first round due to a previous deal.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said: “It is important that we uphold the values of integrity and fairness, which create a level playing field for our teams. “The Aces failed to comply with the rules and regulations of the tournament and were disciplined accordingly. We are also displeased by the violation of our Respect for Workplace policy and remain committed to ensuring that advanced training is conducted and standards are followed across all WNBA teams.”
Unacceptable interests in relation to contract extension negotiations with Hamby players. She signed a two-year extension last June. Hamby was traded on January 21 with the Los Angeles Sparks.
After being traded, she posted on Instagram: “Trading is part of the business. Being deceived, bullied, manipulated and discriminated against is not.”
The players union has pushed for an investigation into whether Hamby’s rights under the union’s 2020 labor agreement were violated, as well as state and federal law. The federation investigation included interviews with 33 people and a review of texts, emails and other documents.
The defending Aces champion opens the season on Saturday in Seattle before playing in Los Angeles against Hamby and the Sparks on May 25.
