Why did WNBA coach Becky Hammon get suspended?
Excatly what had transpired between Becky Hammon and Dearica Hamby that eventually led WNBA to suspend the Aces head coach?
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Dearica Hamby, Becky Hammon
WNBA had suspended Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon for two games without pay – and the league has also taken away the Aces 2025 first-round selection. But exactly what has prompted the league to act with such a consequence on the Hall-of-Famer?
As per the official statement from the league, “The team violation involved promises of impermissible benefits in connection with negotiations for an extension of the Aces player Dearica Hamby’s player contract. The Respect in the Workplace violation was related to comments made by Hammon to Hamby in connection with Hamby’s recent pregnancy.”
The original incident dates back to January when Dearica Hamby, former Las Vegas Aces forward, accused the team, and certain figures within, of discrimination against her pregnancy. The investigation led by WNBA has apparently found Becky Hammon guilty of making unjust comments that violated WNBA’s Respect in Workplace policies. But exactly what had transpired in January between Hamby and the Aces?
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What comments had Becky Hammon directed at Dearica Hamby?
Dearica Hamby had been traded to the Los Angeles Sparks last January. She had signed an extension with the Las Vegas Aces back in June 2022. The player was allegedly accused of signing the contract while having knowledge of her pregnancy. This later created issues between the player and the management.
She wrote in an Instagram post in January speaking out on the matter. “Being traded is a part of the business. Being lied to, bullied, manipulated, and discriminated against is not. I have had my character and work ethic attacked. I was promised things to entice me to sign my contract extension that were not followed through on.”
She wrote, “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 planned to play this season, and I have expressed my desire to play this season. I have pushed myself throughout my entire pregnancy and have continued to work out 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.’”
The Final Verdict
Following WNBA’s investigation regarding the incident, Las Vegas Aces will have to forfeit their first-round pick for 2025. And as for head coach Becky Hammon, she has been suspended for two games without pay.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert clarified their stance on the issue. “It is critical that we uphold the values of integrity and fairness, which create a level playing field for our teams.”
“The Aces failed to adhere to league rules and regulations and have been disciplined accordingly,” she added. “We are also disheartened by the violation of our Respect in the Workplace policies and remain committed to ensuring that enhanced training is conducted and standards are followed across all WNBA teams.”
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Ritvik Malhotra
(1085 Articles Published)