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The league found the Aces made promises of
"impermissible benefits" in negotiations for a contract
extension with two-time All-Star Dearica Hamby, who went to the
Los Angeles Sparks in January.
Hammon, who took the reins last year after eight years as an
assistant coach with the NBA's San Antonio Spurs, was found to
have committed a "Respect in the Workplace" violation with
comments regarding Hamby's recent pregnancy.
The investigation, however, was not able to substantiate
concerns over the Aces' conduct during the off-season. The Next
reported in February that The Aces were under investigation by
the WNBA for circumventing the salary cap.
"It is critical that we uphold the values of integrity and
fairness, which create a level playing field for our teams,"
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement.
"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."
The Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) said
the league's decision "misses the mark" and that docking a draft
pick removes an opportunity for a future player to compete for a
job.
"Where in this decision does this team or any other team across
the League learn the lesson that respect in the workplace is the
highest standard and a player’s dignity cannot be manipulated?"
the WNBPA said in a statement.
(Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York; Editing by Toby Davis)
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