Andrea Trischan, former program manager of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) for the Phoenix Suns, has filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Arizona attorney general's office's civil rights division, alleging wrongful termination and seeking $60 million in damages. Trischan served in her role from September 2022 to July 2023 and has raised serious accusations against the organization.
Allegations of Wrongful Termination and Misconduct
Trischan claims she was subjected to overt racist comments and a hostile work environment, which she says went unaddressed despite her reports to HR and executive leadership. According to her attorney, Sheree Wright, these allegations signify a troubling period during Trischan's tenure with the Suns. Wright stated, "[Trischan] endured overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership."
Trischan also expressed concerns about the organization's decision to appoint several executives accused of misconduct to a newly established diversity council. Trischan communicated these concerns to Kim Corbitt, the head of HR for the Suns, but alleges that her warnings were ignored. As a result, she believes her placement on a performance improvement plan in late May 2023 and subsequent termination in July 2023 were retaliatory in nature.
Team's Response and Denial of Wrongdoing
The Phoenix Suns have categorically denied any wrongdoing. Stacey Mitch, the senior vice president of communications for the Suns and Mercury, responded strongly to the allegations. "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 condemned Trischan's claims, stating, "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."
The Suns have also defended their diversity council, proclaiming its intended purpose of advancing DE&I initiatives within the organization. A spokesperson for the Suns remarked, "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."
Context of Previous Ownership and Ongoing Reviews
The backdrop to this dispute includes significant changes within the Phoenix Suns organization. The NBA had previously suspended former owner Robert Sarver due to findings of inappropriate workplace conduct, and Jason Rowley, the former team president and CEO, resigned in February 2023. The sale of the team to Mat Ishbia was finalized the same month, marking a new chapter for the franchise.
Despite these changes, the Suns are now grappling with Trischan's severe allegations. Mitch maintains confidence that the legal and regulatory investigations will exonerate the organization: "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 Suns have committed to cooperating with the ongoing review by the Arizona Civil Rights Division (ACRD). A Suns spokesperson noted, "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."
As the investigation proceeds, the Phoenix Suns organization remains under scrutiny, facing a complex legal challenge even as it continues to rebuild its image and operations under new ownership. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the team's commitment to DE&I initiatives and its overall organizational culture.