Former Phoenix Suns Employee Files Complaint Alleging Wrongful Termination and Hostile Work Environment
Andrea Trischan, who served as the program manager of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) for the Phoenix Suns from September 2022 to July 2023, 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 is seeking $60 million in damages, alleging wrongful termination and a hostile work environment characterized by overt racist comments.
According to Trischan, the issue began when she raised 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. Despite this, she claims her grievances went unaddressed and resulted in her being placed on a performance improvement plan in late May 2023, followed by her eventual termination two months later.
Her attorney, Sheree Wright, emphasized the hostile environment, stating, "[Trischan] endured overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership."
The Phoenix Suns, however, have categorically denied any wrongdoing. Stacey Mitch, the senior vice president of communications for the Suns and Mercury, provided a robust response 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 She called the complaint "baseless" and described Trischan's claims as an attempt to gain financial leverage using outdated issues related to previous ownership.
"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 added. "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 tension between Trischan and the organization underscores a broader struggle involving the team's former owner, Robert Sarver, who was suspended by the NBA due to findings of inappropriate workplace conduct last year. Amidst this backdrop, Trischan's allegations acquire a new level of complexity. She contends that the Suns failed to foster a genuinely inclusive and equitable environment, a claim directly contradicted by the Suns' official stance.
A spokesperson for the Suns addressed Trischan's concerns about the diversity council, 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."
Adding to the context, major transitions within the Suns' executive leadership have also played a role. Jason Rowley, the former team president and CEO, resigned in February 2023, coinciding with Mat Ishbia's finalized purchase of the team. This period of organizational transition may have set the stage for some of the discord Trischan claims to have experienced.
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," stated a Suns spokesperson. "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 this complex case unfolds, it will undoubtedly capture the attention of both the sports world and advocates for workplace equity alike. The Phoenix Suns, already under scrutiny from past controversies, face yet another challenge as they strive to demonstrate their commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.