Complaint Filed Against Phoenix Suns for Wrongful Termination
Andrea Trischan, who served as the program manager for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) for the Phoenix Suns, has lodged a formal complaint with both the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Arizona Attorney General's office's civil rights division. Having held her position for less than a year—from September 2022 to July 2023—Trischan is alleging wrongful termination and is demanding $60 million in damages.
Allegations of Misconduct
In her complaint, Trischan alleges that she was subjected to overt racist comments and a hostile work environment during her tenure, a situation that she claims went unaddressed despite her reports to human resources and executive leadership. Her attorney, Sheree Wright, stated, "[Trischan] endured overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership."
Trischan's grievances extend to the organization's handling of its DE&I initiatives. She expressed concerns about the decision to appoint several executives accused of misconduct to a newly established diversity council. Her concerns were communicated to Kim Corbitt, head of HR for the Suns. However, Trischan contends that her vocal objections led to her being placed on a performance improvement plan in late May 2023 and her eventual termination in July 2023.
Response from the Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns have categorically denied any wrongdoing, with Stacey Mitch, the senior vice president of communications for the Suns and Mercury, providing a series of statements. Mitch said, "A former employee who last worked for the organization in 2023 was terminated after fewer than 10 months due to repeated failure to perform her job duties." She further asserted, "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."
A spokesperson for the Suns also addressed Trischan's statements regarding the diversity council. "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."
Background on the Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns have been in the spotlight for various issues concerning inappropriate workplace conduct. The NBA suspended the team’s former owner, Robert Sarver, following findings of such misconduct. In February 2023, Jason Rowley, the former team president and CEO, resigned, and Mat Ishbia finalized his purchase of the team.
The Suns' organizational restructuring included the formation of a diversity council, an initiative aimed at improving workplace culture and adherence to DE&I principles. Despite these efforts, Trischan's terminated tenure has cast a shadow over the team's recent progress.
Ongoing Review
The Suns have committed to participating in the ongoing review by the Arizona Civil Rights Division (ACRD). A Suns spokesperson expressed confidence in the outcome, stating, "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."
Mitch also commented on the expected resolution of the case, saying, "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."
The legal proceedings will follow, and both parties appear prepared to defend their positions rigorously. Whether the ACRD's findings will support Trischan's allegations or vindicate the Suns' stance remains to be seen, but this dispute once again places a spotlight on the importance of accountability and transparency within professional sports organizations.