Complaint Filed Against Phoenix Suns Alleging Wrongful Termination
Andrea Trischan, the former program manager of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) for the Phoenix Suns, has officially filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Arizona attorney general's office's civil rights division. Trischan, who served in her role with the Suns from September 2022 to July 2023, is alleging wrongful termination and seeking $60 million in damages.
Trischan's tenure with the organization was marked by controversy, particularly surrounding her concerns about the workplace environment. This complaint follows a broader examination of the Suns’ workplace culture, highlighted by the NBA's suspension of former owner Robert Sarver due to inappropriate workplace conduct.
Allegations of Misconduct and Retaliation
Trischan has voiced concerns about the organization’s decision to place executives accused of misconduct on a newly established diversity council. These concerns were reported to Kim Corbitt, the head of HR for the Suns. According to Trischan, despite escalating her concerns, the issues were not adequately addressed. She claims that she faced overtly racist comments and described the work environment as hostile.
Trischan elaborated that in late May 2023, she was put on a performance improvement plan, which she believes was a retaliatory move due to her complaints. This plan ultimately led to her termination in July 2023. Representing Trischan in this case is attorney Sheree Wright, who emphasized the severity of her client’s experiences. "…[Trischan] endured overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership," said Wright.
Suns’ Stance on the Allegations
The Phoenix Suns have fervently denied any wrongdoing, positioning Trischan’s claims as both unfounded and opportunistic. Stacey Mitch, the senior vice president of communications for the Suns and Mercury, provided a firm rebuttal. "A former employee who last worked for the organization in 2023 was terminated after less than 10 months due to repeated failure to perform her job duties," she stated. Mitch further argued, "This individual filed a baseless charge with a state agency and is now trying to use ESPN reporting from 2022, specific to previous ownership, to make egregious claims in order to support her ridiculous demand for $60 million from the Suns organization."
Another spokesperson for the Suns addressed Trischan’s allegations about the diversity council, calling her claims misleading. "The purpose of the diversity council, which is comprised of the entire executive team and other leaders in the organization, is to listen to the diversity data and information on DE&I initiatives to continue to further the organization's DE&I commitment."
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The Suns are committed to cooperating with the review by the Arizona Civil Rights Division (ACRD) and remain confident in their position. "The Suns continue to participate in the [Arizona Civil Rights Division] review in good faith. We are confident that after the ACRD completes its review of Ms. Trischan's charge, the ACRD will confirm that Ms. Trischan's claims are factually and legally baseless," said a Suns spokesperson.
The organization stands by its efforts to create a positive workplace environment, dismissing the allegations as an attempt to manipulate the media and gain financially. "To be clear, this individual is making false claims in an attempt to gain tens of millions of dollars. We are confident the courts will find no merit to these claims and quickly resolve this matter," said Mitch. "The Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury are creating a world-class organization for every employee. We will not let opportunists succeed in their attempts to manipulate the media and use years old reporting to seek financial gain."
This high-profile dispute presents another challenge for the Phoenix Suns, who have already faced scrutiny over workplace culture under former ownership. With Mat Ishbia's purchase of the team finalized in February 2023, the new ownership is keen on distancing itself from past controversies and rebuilding the organization’s image.
Leadership Changes Amid Controversy
Jason Rowley, the former team president and CEO, resigned in February 2023 around the same time that Ishbia's acquisition was finalized. These leadership changes are part of the team's efforts to redirect and restore its internal culture.
As legal proceedings continue and both parties prepare to present their cases, the fallout from these allegations will likely extend beyond the courts, influencing public perception and potentially the future of the Suns' organizational policies.