Andrea Trischan, the former program manager of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) for the Phoenix Suns, has taken legal action against the NBA franchise. Trischan has lodged complaints with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission as well as the Arizona attorney general's office's civil rights division, alleging wrongful termination and seeking $60 million in damages.
Trischan's tenure with the Suns spanned from September 2022 until July 2023. Her complaints emphasize that her dismissal was unjust, pointing specifically to her placement on a performance improvement plan in late May 2023 and her eventual firing in July. According to Trischan and her attorney, Sheree Wright, her termination came on the heels of raising significant concerns about the organization's workplace practices and culture.
Allegations of Hostile Work Environment
The crux of Trischan's grievances revolves around the alleged overt racist comments and a hostile work environment she claims to have endured during her time with the Suns. Trischan asserts that these issues were reported to HR and executive leadership but were left unaddressed. According to Wright, Trischan's complaints to HR, specifically to the head of HR, Kim Corbitt, were met with insufficient responses.
Additionally, Trischan criticized the organization’s decision to install several executives, who were previously accused of misconduct, onto a newly formed diversity council. Wright's statement echoes Trischan's discontent, suggesting that the diversity council's purpose and the legitimacy of its members are questionable.
Response from the Suns
The Phoenix Suns have vigorously denied Trischan's allegations. Stacey Mitch, Senior Vice President of Communications for the Suns and Mercury, responded pointedly to the claims. "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.
Further pushing back against the allegations, Mitch dismissed the charges as baseless and opportunistic. "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 remarked. She stressed the organization’s commitment to creating a top-tier environment for all employees and condemned what she termed as "opportunists" manipulating the media for financial gain.
The Role of the Diversity Council
Amid the controversy, the Suns defended the integrity and objectives of their diversity council. A spokesperson for the organization refuted Trischan's assertions regarding the council’s composition and mission. "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 spokesperson clarified.
Background and Context
The lawsuits come in the wake of significant changes within the organization. The NBA had previously suspended the Suns’ former owner, Robert Sarver, due to findings of inappropriate workplace conduct. This upheaval led to the resignation of former team president and CEO Jason Rowley in February 2023, and by the same month, Mat Ishbia's purchase of the team was finalized.
Despite the turmoil, the Suns maintain their stance that Trischan’s claims are unfounded. "We are confident the courts will find no merit to these claims and quickly resolve this matter," Mitch stated optimistically.
The organization has also committed to full participation in the ongoing review by the Arizona Civil Rights Division (ACRD). "The Suns continue to participate in the ACRD review in good faith," a Suns spokesperson confirmed. "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."
As the legal proceedings unfold, the sports community will be closely watching both the court’s decisions and the internal changes within the Suns’ organization. The outcome of Trischan’s lawsuit could have lasting implications not only for the Phoenix Suns but also for broader organizational practices within professional sports teams.