WNBA Star Dearica Hamby Files Lawsuit Alleging Pregnancy Discrimination
WNBA player Dearica Hamby has filed a lawsuit against the league, accusing it of discrimination related to her pregnancy. The two-time WNBA All-Star alleges that she was subjected to unfair treatment by her team and the league after announcing her pregnancy, claiming that her rights as a player were violated.
Hamby, who played for the Las Vegas Aces at the time, states in the lawsuit that she faced discriminatory remarks and actions from team management and staff after revealing she was expecting. She asserts that the team questioned her commitment to returning to play after childbirth and made derogatory comments about her ability to balance motherhood and her career.
The lawsuit alleges that this discriminatory behavior led to Hamby’s eventual trade to the Los Angeles Sparks earlier this year. Hamby claims that the trade was a direct result of her pregnancy and her team’s unwillingness to support her during this period. The lawsuit further contends that the WNBA did not take adequate steps to protect her from this discrimination, violating league policies and federal laws designed to safeguard the rights of pregnant employees.
“I was excited to share the news of my pregnancy, but instead of support, I faced skepticism and unfair treatment,” Hamby stated. “This experience has been deeply hurtful, and I am taking this stand not just for myself, but for every woman who has faced discrimination in the workplace because of her pregnancy.”
The WNBA has yet to publicly respond to the lawsuit, but the case has sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of female athletes and the challenges they face when balancing their careers with motherhood. Hamby’s lawsuit highlights ongoing concerns about gender equality in sports, particularly in how pregnancy and motherhood are perceived and handled by professional leagues.
Legal experts suggest that this case could set an important precedent for how the WNBA and other sports organizations address pregnancy and maternity issues moving forward.
