Former Phoenix Suns DE&I Manager Files Complaint for Wrongful Termination
In a significant development that has cast a spotlight on the Phoenix Suns organization, former program manager of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), Andrea Trischan, has filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Arizona attorney general's office's civil rights division. Trischan, who worked with the Suns from September 2022 until July 2023, alleges wrongful termination and is seeking $60 million in damages.
At the heart of Trischan’s complaint is her assertion that she was terminated after raising concerns about the organization’s practices, including the appointment of several executives, who had previously been accused of misconduct, to a newly established diversity council. She communicated her apprehensions to Kim Corbitt, the head of HR for the Suns, but claims they went unheeded. Trischan contends that following her complaints, she was put on a performance improvement plan in late May 2023 and was ultimately fired in July of the same year.
According to her attorney, Sheree Wright, "…[Trischan] endured overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership." Trischan's allegations of a toxic work environment have intensified scrutiny on the Suns, especially given the team's tumultuous history with workplace culture issues.
Notably, former owner Robert Sarver was suspended by the NBA following findings of inappropriate workplace conduct, a significant event that has lingered in the background of the current dispute. Jason Rowley, the former team president and CEO, also resigned in February 2023, coinciding with Mat Ishbia's acquisition of the team.
The Suns’ Response
The Phoenix Suns, however, have categorically denied any wrongdoing. Stacey Mitch, the senior vice president of communications for the Suns and Mercury, strongly refuted Trischan's claims, stating, "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 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." She further emphasized, "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."
Additionally, a spokesperson for the Suns elaborated on the purpose of the diversity council, which Trischan criticized. "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."
Ongoing Review
In response to the ongoing investigation, the Suns have pledged their cooperation. "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," remarked a Suns spokesperson.
The implications of Trischan's complaint extend beyond her departure from the organization. The allegations and subsequent review could further impact the Suns, particularly as the team strives to reshape its internal culture following previous scandals.
As the Arizona Civil Rights Division conducts its review, the case of Andrea Trischan vs. the Phoenix Suns is bound to draw significant attention from both legal experts and the public. The final outcomes of these proceedings will not only affect Trischan but also set a precedent for how DE&I concerns and wrongful termination claims are handled within professional sports organizations.