WNBA Star Dearica Hamby Accuses Las Vegas Aces Of Bullying, Manipulation, And Discrimination

WNBA star Dearica Hamby took to Instagram to share that she has been bullied and manipulated by the Las Vegas Aces after getting pregnant with her second child. In a carousel of photos, she explains what's been going on and thanks everyone for their continued support.

The 29-year-old pro basketball player claims that the Aces have attacked her work ethic and character, as well as manipulated and bullied her. The first Instagram photo in the carousel shows her holding her growing baby belly during her second pregnancy.

The second photo shares gratitude toward the city of Las Vegas, her teammates and the fans. "I genuinely love you all. I trust that you all know this and felt this during my time here," she begins. "The love for me, my daughter, my family, and even my unborn has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated."

She continued by explaining that she gave "everything I have" and fought to stay with the team amicably. "Vegas is nothing without all of you. I will not forget the good times and the journey to bring Las Vegas to a championship," she wrote. "I never imagined going out like this, but you have inspired me in more ways than you will know."

The next photo explains just what's been going on, beginning with, "With that being said, I am heartbroken." Hamby explained that while she understands that being traded is par for the course in this business, being "lied to, bullied, manipulated, and discriminated against is not."

Hamby agreed to a two-year contract extension in June. "I have had my character and work ethic attacked. I was promised things to entice me to sign my contact extension that were not followed through on," she continued. "I was accused of signing my extension knowingly pregnant. This is false."

The WNBA star also said that the Aces were concerned that she wouldn't be ready for this season, although Hamby said she fully intended on playing. "I was told that I 'didn't hold up my end of the bargain' (because 'no one expected me to get pregnant in the next two years'). Did the team expect me to promise not to get pregnant in exchange for the contract extension?," she wrote. "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.'"

She further explains that she's being traded because, "I wouldn't be ready and we need bodies," despite telling the Aces that she intended to play this season and has expressed that desire in her transparency with the organization. She was told, "You're getting moved regardless and it's best for your career that you move on from the Aces."

Hamby was drafted by the San Antonio Stars in 2015. The team moved to Las Vegas in 2018. Hamby's Instagram post came after finding out she's being traded to the Los Angeles Sparks. The WNBPA recently tweeted a statement about the situation and that they are reviewing and investigating the matter.

According to USA Today, when the WNBA was founded in 1997, Sheryl Swoopes missed part of the inaugural season due to pregnancy, and Skylar Diggins-Smith missed the 2019 season after giving birth. The WNBA approved an eight-year collective bargaining agreement in 2020 that increased player salaries and promised improved protections for pregnant players.

Hamby also included a slide in her Instagram post expressing her gratitude for the new chapter that awaits her in Los Angeles. "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," she wrote. "I can't wait to meet all the fans at Crypto.Com Arena and pour everything I have into the Purple & Gold."

Hamby's Instagram followers commented on her post with love, positivity and support. Fellow WNBA star Kalani Brown wrote, "Love you sis?, let this do nothing but fuel your transformative energy? cheers to new beginnings." Football analyst Reggie Bush commented, "Welcome to LA ??????" WNBA star Kelsey Bone also commented, "Shoutout to you for telling your truth! Love you forever! ❤️"