Complaint Filed Against Phoenix Suns by Former DE&I Program Manager
The Phoenix Suns are facing serious allegations as Andrea Trischan, their former program manager for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), 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 from September 2022 to July 2023, is seeking $60 million in damages for what she alleges was wrongful termination and mistreatment during her tenure.
Allegations of Misconduct and Wrongful Termination
Trischan's complaint paints a troubling picture of her time with the Suns. She claims that her concerns about the appointment of several executives, who had been accused of misconduct, to a newly established diversity council were dismissed by the organization's leadership. Her protests were allegedly communicated to Kim Corbitt, the head of HR for the Suns, but went unaddressed.
According to Trischan, she was placed on a performance improvement plan in late May 2023 and was subsequently fired in July 2023. She contends that these actions were retaliatory and that they followed her repeated efforts to raise alarms about alleged overt racist comments and a hostile work environment.
Her attorney, Sheree Wright, has emphasized the gravity of the allegations, stating, "…[Trischan] endured overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership."
The Suns' Response
The Phoenix Suns have categorically denied any wrongdoing. Stacey Mitch, the senior vice president of communications for the Suns and Mercury, has been vocal in defending the organization's actions. "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," Mitch stated.
Moreover, Mitch dismissed Trischan's claims as unfounded, asserting that they were a tactic to secure a substantial financial settlement. "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," Mitch said. She further reiterated that the allegations were "false claims in an attempt to gain tens of millions of dollars," and expressed confidence that the courts will find no merit in Trischan's case.
Adding to the defense, a spokesperson for the Suns addressed Trischan's concerns regarding the diversity council. "Ms. Trischan's claims regarding the diversity council are misleading," said the spokesperson. "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."
Context and Background
These allegations come on the heels of a tumultuous period for the Phoenix Suns. The team’s former owner, Robert Sarver, was suspended by the NBA after findings of inappropriate workplace conduct. Furthermore, in a significant leadership change, Jason Rowley, the former team president and CEO, resigned in February 2023, coinciding with Mat Ishbia finalizing the purchase of the team.
The Suns have committed to participating in the ongoing review by the Arizona Civil Rights Division (ACRD). "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.
Moving Forward
As the legal proceedings continue, the Phoenix Suns organization remains steadfast in its denial of any misconduct. The case draws attention to the broader issues of workplace culture and the handling of diversity, equity, and inclusion within professional sports teams.
This unfolding situation will undoubtedly be closely watched by both the sports world and advocates for workplace equity, as it touches upon critical issues of race, retaliation, and professional conduct. While the Suns maintain their stance, the resolution of this complaint will be determined through the ongoing investigations and judicial process.