Andrea Trischan, former program manager of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) for the Phoenix Suns, has lodged a formal complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Arizona attorney general's office's civil rights division. Trischan, who served the Suns from September 2022 to July 2023, is alleging wrongful termination and seeking a staggering $60 million in damages.
An Allegation of Wrongful Termination
According to Trischan, her tenure at the Suns was marred by a hostile work environment and overt racist comments, issues she claims went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership. In late May 2023, Trischan was reportedly placed on a performance improvement plan and was subsequently fired in July 2023.
"…[Trischan] endured overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership," stated Sheree Wright, Trischan’s attorney.
Concerns Over Diversity Council Decisions
Trischan's complaint includes concerns about the organization's decision to appoint several executives accused of misconduct to a newly established diversity council. She communicated these concerns to Kim Corbitt, the head of HR for the Suns. A Suns spokesperson countered the claims, stating, "Ms. Trischan's claims regarding the diversity council are 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."
The Suns' Official Response
The Phoenix Suns have denied any wrongdoing. Stacey Mitch, the senior vice president of communications for the Suns and Mercury, described Trischan's allegations as baseless. "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 said. She further added, "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 continued, "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. 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."
Context of Previous Controversies
This legal drama unfolds against the backdrop of broader issues within the Phoenix Suns organization. The NBA had previously suspended former owner Robert Sarver following findings of inappropriate workplace conduct. Furthermore, Jason Rowley, the former team president and CEO, resigned in February 2023, the same month Mat Ishbia finalized his 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," a Suns spokesperson commented.
As Trischan's case advances, it brings to light the persistent and challenging issues of workplace discrimination and misconduct in professional sports. How this situation will resolve remains uncertain, but it certainly places the Phoenix Suns under intense scrutiny once again.