Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon addressed the ongoing discrimination lawsuit filed by former Aces player Dearica Hamby, maintaining her stance that the organization did not mistreat Hamby or trade her due to her pregnancy.

Hammon denies any bullying took place

During a postgame press conference after the Aces’ 87-71 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks, Hammon reiterated that the decision to trade Hamby to the Sparks in January 2023 was purely a business move and unrelated to Hamby’s pregnancy.

“It just didn’t happen, … the bullying,”Hammon stated.

“I spoke with her every day. If she wanted to practice, she practiced. If she didn’t, she didn’t. Over-the-top care, actually.”

Hamby’s lawsuit, filed last week, alleges that she faced “repeated acts of intimidation, discrimination and retaliation” from the Aces, including being traded shortly after informing the team of her pregnancy.

The lawsuit also claims that the Aces withdrew team-provided housing and failed to pay for her daughter’s school tuition following the announcement.

Hammon, who is limited in what she can say publicly due to the ongoing legal proceedings, offered some context to reporters, emphasizing her extensive career in professional basketball.

“Here’s some facts,”Hammon began.

“I’ve been in either the WNBA or the NBA for now 25 years. I’ve never had an HR complaint. Never, not once. I still didn’t, actually, because Dearica didn’t file any. She didn’t file with the players’ union, she didn’t file with the WNBA. Those are facts.”

WNBA already conducted an extensive investigation

The WNBA conducted a monthslong investigation into Hamby’s claims, which included interviews with 33 individuals and a review of numerous documents.

While Hammon received a two-game suspension in May 2023 for violating the league’s “respect in the workplace” policies, the league did not specify if the suspension was directly related to Hamby’s allegations.

The Aces were also penalized by losing a first-round draft pick in 2025 due to a separate violation involving impermissible player benefits.

Despite the ongoing litigation, Hammon remains firm in her assertion that the trade decision was based on roster needs rather than Hamby’s personal circumstances.

“It came down to math in business. That’s all it was. Nothing personal,”Hammon said previously.

“I had a great relationship with Hamby the whole time.”

Dearica Hamby, now playing for the Sparks, continues to excel on the court.

She participated in all 40 games last season and was selected as a WNBA All-Star this July.