The Mohegan Sun Arena was filled with fans’ cheers when the Las Vegas Aces won their first-ever WNBA championship title in 2022. It was the first WNBA title victory for Aces forward Dearica Hamby too, who rejoiced along with her teammates. Hamby, who is a significant part of Michael Jordan’s Jordan brand, had been playing for the Aces since she was drafted into the league in 2015. However, earlier this year, the Aces made the decision to trade Hamby and the 29-year-old forward had a lot to say about it. In fact, she accused the Aces’ management of mistreating her and discriminating against her due to her pregnancy.
WNBPA Statement pic.twitter.com/JDVtmNgzkU
— WNBPA (@TheWNBPA) January 21, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Dearica Hamby was a Las Vegas Aces player for about seven years before she was traded off to the Los Angeles Sparks in January 2023. Hamby was not happy about the reasons that led to the Aces’ decision to trade her and she took to her social media handle to shed some light on the matter.
Dearica Hamby opens up about her controversial trade
Dearica Hamby is not just a well-established basketball star but a mother as well. She has a five-year-old daughter named Amaya who was born in 2017. Meanwhile, Hamby announced in September 2022 that she is expecting her second child. Little did she know that her pregnancy would go on to cause a rift between her and the Las Vegas Aces franchise. The 2x WNBA All-Star claimed that she was discriminated by the Aces management due to her pregnancy.
View this post on Instagram
Hamby recently took to Instagram and accused the Aces of bullying and manipulating her. She explained that she was accused of signing the contract extension while knowing she was pregnant. Hamby declared that it was false news and that the Aces questioned her commitment despite her continuous efforts and dedication towards the team.
“I was asked if I planned my pregnancy. When I responded, ‘no’, I was then told that I ‘was not taking precautions to not get pregnant’. I was being traded because ‘I wouldn’t be ready and we need bodies’,” Hamby’s post read.
READ MORE -?SALUTE! Twitter Hails Kyrie Irving for His Brilliant Initiative to Help WNBA Players
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Furthermore, she called out the entire organization and the female executives of the franchise for the ‘traumatizing’ treatment towards her. In January 22, the WNBPA released a statement demanding that the matter be investigated to ensure that Hamby’s rights were not violated.
Hamby is excited to join her new team
Following the allegations, Dearica Hamby expressed her gratitude and commitment towards the Los Angeles Sparks. Despite having a ‘lot to process’ Hamby assured that she ‘do not do anything half-a** and I will not start now’. The newly recruited Sparks player wrote that she will not let the unfortunate experience influence her dedication towards the team.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: 5 Times Charles Barkley And Shaquille O?Neal Had Heated Fights On Inside The NBA
She wrote, “I’m excited to start a new chapter and challenge in my life and contribute to the success of the three-time WNBA champion Los Angeles Sparks. I can’t wait to meet all the fans at Crypto.com Arena and pour everything I have into the Purple & gold.”