Andrea Trischan, former program manager of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) for the Phoenix Suns, has filed a formal complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Arizona Attorney General's civil rights division, alleging wrongful termination and seeking $60 million in damages. The case arises amidst a backdrop of long-standing controversy surrounding the team's workplace culture.
Claims of Misconduct and Hostile Work Environment
Trischan's tenure with the Suns spanned from September 2022 to July 2023. During this period, she claims to have experienced overt racist comments and a hostile work environment. Despite reporting these incidents to the human resources department, headed by Kim Corbitt, and executive leadership, Trischan alleges that the issues went unaddressed.
The situation seemingly deteriorated when the organization appointed several executives accused of misconduct to a newly established diversity council. According to Trischan, her concerns about these appointments were ignored, leading her to believe that the council's establishment was more of a superficial gesture than a genuine effort towards fostering DE&I in the organization.
In late May 2023, Trischan was placed on a performance improvement plan. This action, which she views as retaliatory, culminated in her termination in July of the same year. She has since retained attorney Sheree Wright to represent her in her legal battle against the Suns.
Firm Denials from Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns have categorically denied any wrongdoing. Stacey Mitch, the senior vice president of communications for the Suns and Mercury, issued a series of statements refuting Trischan's 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.
In a more pointed remark, 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."
Legacy of Controversy
The Phoenix Suns have been under scrutiny since the NBA suspended the team's former owner, Robert Sarver, following findings of inappropriate workplace conduct. Sarver's actions set the stage for a series of internal reviews and leadership changes, including the resignation of former team president and CEO Jason Rowley in February 2023. Shortly thereafter, Mat Ishbia finalized his purchase of the team, emphasizing a new era for the franchise.
However, Trischan's allegations threaten to extend the shadow of controversy over the Suns. Her attorney, Sheree Wright, has been vocal about the severity of Trischan's experiences. "…[Trischan] endured overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership," Wright said.
Organizational Response and Forward Actions
The Suns have committed to participating in an ongoing review by the Arizona Civil Rights Division (ACRD). "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," a spokesperson for the Suns stated. The organization maintains that the diversity council's purpose is to genuinely further their DE&I commitment, a point they argue Trischan has misrepresented.
Despite current disputes, the Suns continue to emphasize their goal of creating an inclusive, world-class organization. "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," Mitch declared.
As the legal proceedings advance, both the question of organizational accountability and the integrity of Trischan's claims remain in the balance. The resolution of this case will undoubtedly have broader implications for the franchise and its efforts to rebuild and redefine its workplace culture.