According to ESPN, the WNBA revoked the Las Vegas Aces 2025 first-round draft pick and suspended Coach Becky Hammon for two games following an investigation that the franchise violated league rules regarding accusations about impermissible player benefits, made by former Aces Player Dearica Hamby.
The penalties were announced Tuesday morning, according to the leagues resources. The team violation entailed impermissible benefits for former Aces Player Dearica Hamby.
During off season, Hamby was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks.
The respect in the workplace violation stemmed when Aces coach Becky Hammond made comments to Hamby, during her pregnancy. Hamby took her allegations public talking about how her former Team Organization treated her “unethically and unprofessional,” while she was pregnant.
All players should be treated with the highest respect in dignity in all matters. This incident of misconduct by staff will be penalized. Taking away a future draft pick is the first in the Leagues history and will cost a future player hope to enter the WNBA .
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert Statement, “It is critical that we uphold the values of integrity and fairness, which create a level of playing field for our teams.”
The Aces failed to adhere to league rules and regulations. We are also disheartened by the violation of Respect in the Workplace policies and are committed to ensuring that enhanced training is conducted and standards are followed across the WNBA.
Hammond was the first female assistant coach, in the NBA, alongside Coach Popovich with the San Antonio Spurs, she is a WNBA Hall of Famer, Coached the Aces to the first WNBA, in 2022.