WNBA Imposes Penalties on Las Vegas Aces After Investigation
May 16, 2023 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) News Release
NEW YORK, May 16, 2023 - The WNBA announced today that it has rescinded the Las Vegas Aces' 2025 first-round draft pick for violating league rules regarding impermissible player benefits and suspended Las Vegas head coach Becky Hammon for two games without pay for violating league and team Respect in the Workplace policies.
Due to a prior trade, Las Vegas does not have a 2024 first-round draft pick.
The team violation involved promises of impermissible benefits in connection with negotiations for an extension of then Aces player Dearica Hamby's player contract. The Respect in the Workplace violation was related to comments made by Hammon to Hamby in connection with Hamby's recent pregnancy.
After a complaint by Hamby on January 21, 2023, alleging misconduct by the Aces, the league began an investigation. The investigation included interviews with 33 people and a review of numerous texts, emails and other documents. During the course of the investigation, several individuals raised additional concerns about the conduct of the Aces during the most recent free agency period. The investigation was not able to substantiate any of those additional concerns.
"It is critical that we uphold the values of integrity and fairness, which create a level playing field for our teams," said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. "The Aces failed to adhere to league rules and regulations and have been disciplined accordingly. We are also disheartened by the violation of our Respect in the Workplace policies and remain committed to ensuring that enhanced training is conducted and standards are followed across all WNBA teams."
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