Dearica Hamby Exposes Racist Abuse Following Ejection

Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby exposed a racist text message on social media on Aug. 24, 2026, following her automatic ejection from a 77-68 victory against the Connecticut Sun on Aug. 22.

The three-time WNBA All-Star was ejected with 8:39 remaining in the fourth quarter at Crypto.com Arena after hitting Sun forward Raegan Beers in the head while positioning under the basket. Officials upgraded the call to a Flagrant 2 foul after video review, sending Beers to the locker room with a jaw injury.

As reported by Larry Brown Sports, Hamby revealed on X that a fan somehow obtained her personal phone number to send explicit racial slurs and derogatory abuse. She shared the post publicly to expose the harassment.

"Anyone know this number?" wrote Hamby on her X post.

The incident highlights ongoing harassment aimed at women's professional basketball players, coming just a month after Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray publicly addressed a similar racist message received following a game against the Indiana Fever.

On the court, the Sparks snapped a six-game losing streak despite Hamby's early exit. Hamby recorded 10 points, five rebounds, and two assists before her ejection. Rae Burrell led Los Angeles with 20 points, three steals, and three blocks, while Nneka Ogwumike posted a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

The Flagrant 2 call carries an automatic ejection and a $1,000 fine under WNBA regulations. Because league policy mandates a one-game suspension once a player reaches four flagrant points, Hamby now sits halfway to that threshold after incurring her first two flagrant points of the season.

Despite the victory, the Sparks were officially eliminated from playoff contention on Aug. 20 after suffering a 124-88 loss to the Atlanta Dream. Hamby continues to average 14.8 points and 7.1 rebounds per game in her tenth league season.