Andrea Trischan, a former program manager of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) for the Phoenix Suns, has filed a high-profile complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Arizona attorney general's office's civil rights division. Trischan held her position from September 2022 until July 2023, a tumultuous period that has now culminated in allegations of wrongful termination and a significant demand for $60 million in damages.
Allegations of Misconduct and Hostile Work Environment
Trischan asserts that her time with the Suns was marred by overt racist comments and a hostile work environment. Her attorney, Sheree Wright, emphasized that these incidents went unaddressed despite being reported to both HR and executive leadership. Trischan believes her termination in July 2023, following an initial placement on a performance improvement plan in late May, was unjust and stemmed from her voiced concerns rather than any actual job performance issues.
"[Trischan] endured overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership," Wright stated. According to Trischan, these concerns were communicated directly to Kim Corbitt, the head of HR for the Suns.
Conflict over Diversity Council Appointments
Among the concerns Trischan expressed was the appointment of several executives accused of misconduct to a newly established diversity council. Trischan felt this move undermined the council's credibility, casting doubt on the organization's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. However, the Suns have contested these claims, with a spokesperson explaining, "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."
Denials and Defense from the Suns Organization
The Phoenix Suns have categorically denied any wrongdoing in response to Trischan's allegations. Stacey Mitch, the senior vice president of communications for the Suns and Mercury, has been vocal in defending the organization. "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.
Mitch went on to challenge the allegations directly: "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."
Echoing this sentiment, the Suns organization remains confident in their stance. "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," Mitch added.
Background and Broader Context
This latest controversy adds to a period of significant change and scrutiny for the Phoenix Suns. The NBA suspended the team's former owner, Robert Sarver, following findings of inappropriate workplace conduct. Adding to the upheaval, former team president and CEO Jason Rowley resigned in February 2023. That same month, Mat Ishbia's purchase of the team was finalized, marking a new chapter in the organization's history.
Despite these challenges, the Suns have committed to full cooperation with ongoing reviews. "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," noted a Suns spokesperson.
As this case progresses, it will undoubtedly draw considerable attention, given the involved claims and the high-profile nature of the parties. The pending review by the Arizona Civil Rights Division (ACRD) will be crucial in determining the veracity of Trischan's allegations and the future course of action for both parties involved.