Sparks forward Dearica Hamby was ejected from Saturday's game against the Sun after being assessed a Flagrant 2 foul for striking rookie Raegan Beers in the face with an elbow.
The incident occurred with 8:39 remaining in the fourth quarter of the Sparks' 77-68 victory.
Hamby made contact with Beers' face with her elbow during the play, prompting officials to review the sequence before awarding Hamby a Flagrant 2 — which is accompanied by an automatic ejection.
WNBA star Dearica Hamby was ejected for a vicious elbow to an opponent's face. Hamby later called the action justified. Amazon Prime
A closer look at the play shows that Beers had hit Hamby in the stomach shortly before the elbow.
A fan tagged Hamby on X afterward, writing, "Is this the example you're leaving for your kid. Be a better example. I love you. Don't react like that again ok."
Hamby replied , "If somebody intentionally punch my kid in her ribs/ stomach I hope she does more than that!!!!!!"
Neither Hamby nor Beers returned to the game, as the latter exited with a jaw injury following the foul.
Hamby finished the game with 10 points, five rebounds and two assists in 21 minutes of play, as the Sparks recorded win No. 13 of the year.
Hamby shot 2-for-2 from the field and added a 6-for-8 performance on free throws prior to her ejection.
WNBA star Dearica Hamby was ejected for a vicious elbow to an opponent's face. Amazon Prime
The Flagrant 2 also puts Hamby in line for a $1,000 fine under the WNBA's flagrant foul system.
The Flagrant 2 is Hamby's first of the season.
Hamby has enjoyed a quality individual season, averaging 14.8 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.
Connecticut Sun forward Nell Angloma (33) checks on teammate Raegan Beers (15) as Beers lies on the court following contact with Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby (5) during the fourth quarter Aug. 22. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
A three-time WNBA All-Star, the 32-year-old forward finished ninth in WNBA MVP voting last season.
The Sparks led by as many as 22 points and entered the fourth quarter ahead 66-46.
Dearica Hamby dribbles the ball during a game against the Sunon Saturday, Aug. 22. NBAE via Getty Images
The Sun outscored them 22-11 in the final period, while the Sparks went scoreless over the final 6:12.
The early advantage was enough for them to hold on for the nine-point victory.
Rae Burrell led the Sparks with 20 points, while Nneka Ogwumike finished with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
