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Aces coach Becky Hammon is adamant that she never mistreated former Las Vegas forward Dearica Hamby because of her pregnancy back in July 2022.
Hamby filed a lawsuit in federal court against both the Aces and the WNBA last Monday, claiming that she was the target of "repeated acts of intimidation, discrimination and retaliation from the Aces" after revealing that she was pregnant.
The team found out that Hamby had a child on the way just weeks after the three-time All-Star discovered that she was pregnant. Hamby was then traded to the Los Angeles Sparks in January 2023, a move that Hamby believes stemmed from the pregnancy.
In the lawsuit, Hamby also claims that the WNBA did not conduct a sound investigation.
Las Vegas played Hamby and the Sparks on Sunday and came away with an 87-71 victory. Following the game, Hammon was asked about the lawsuit.
"Here's some facts," Hammon said. "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.
"It's also factual that nobody made a call about trading her until Atlanta called us in January (2023). That's a fact. So ... it just didn't happen. I'm sorry, the bullying? 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. Over-the-top care."
Back in May 2023, Hammon received a two-game suspension following the WNBA's investigation, which lasted months. The league said that Hammon had violated Respect in the Workplace policies.
Hamby, 30, spent the first eight seasons of her WNBA career with the Aces, who were known as the San Antonio Stars for her first three years in the league.
In 242 games (85 starts) with Las Vegas/San Antonio, Hamby averaged 9.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists from 2015-22. She won a ring with the Aces in 2022 and was a two-time Sixth Woman of the Year Award winner (2019, 2020).
This season, Hamby has averaged career highs in points (18.3), rebounds (10.1) and assists (3.6) across 27 games (all starts).
Hamby was held to 13 points on 4-of-12 shooting from the field on Sunday.
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Chicago Sky GM speaks out amid team's ugly start to season
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Two-time Stanley Cup champion could be on the move after his team missed playoffs
Vladimir Tarasenko joined the Red Wings in free agency last year, and now insider Frank Seravalli has suggested he wants out. The Detroit Red Wings made some moves last summer to push for the Stanley Cup playoffs in 2024-25, and while they improved overall as a team, they still fell well short of their eventual goal. The Red Wings may need to make some big moves this offseason, with Frank Seravalli noting that one key veteran may want out after a disappointing campaign and a disappointing role in Detroit last season. "There was word that Tarasenko wasn't thrilled with his arrangement in Detroit, leaving open the possibility that he's on the move this summer for a better fit," Frank Seravalli wrote. That player is Vladimir Tarasenko, who signed a two-year, $9.5 million with the team last offseason. While he's frustrated with his role, he also didn't perform as well as expected either. He tallied just 11 goals and 33 points over 80 games played — his worst output in a full season since his NHL debut way back in 2012-13 with St. Louis. While the numbers don't look good, Tarasenko can still be an important piece for a team — as he scored nine points in 24 playoff games a year ago for the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers — but clearly he isn't thrilled with how he's being used in Detroit. This offseason, Steve Yzerman and the Red Wings were likely looking to make some changes and upgrades anyway, so now, it appears as though they could look to move Tarasenko in a separate deal or pair him up with an asset or two for a major upgrade.
Canadiens goalie leaves North America to sign massive five-year deal
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Spencer Strider Had Words for Bryce Harper After Braves' Loss to Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Atlanta Braves 2-0 on Tuesday night at Citizens Bank Park, improving their MLB-best record to 35-19. Unfortunately, Philadelphia lost superstar first baseman Bryce Harper in the process. Hit on the right elbow by a Spencer Strider fastball, Harper was forced to exit in the first inning. Philadelphia later announced Harper suffered a right elbow contusion, with X-Rays coming back negative (via B/R Walk-Off on X). An eight-time All-Star and two-time National League MVP, Harper is in his 14th MLB season. Still among the game's best hitters, Harper's career 143 OPS+ was tied for fifth among active players entering Tuesday. Speaking with reporters after the game, Strider was asked about hitting Harper, and delivered a clear message (via NBC Sports Philadelphia). "Certainly not trying to hit him," he said. "In the moment, I just assumed he had a guard on and was just pissed that I hit him. Then I saw him in pain, and that was tough. So I'm definitely relieved that's he's okay. He’s one of the best players this century. He needs to be on the field. It’s best for the game, and it’s good for us. It’s good to compete against him." Strider added he did feel bad for Harper once he realized the Phillies star was in pain, telling reporters, "I’m not a complete sociopath, so I have some empathy. I do feel bad for him, to see a person in pain that I caused. But I’ve still got a job to do." For Strider, this was just his third start of the season. The 2023 All-Star is 0-3 with a 4.50 ERA.
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