Former Phoenix Suns Employee Claims Wrongful Termination, Files Complaint
In a brewing legal battle, Andrea Trischan, the former program manager of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) for the Phoenix Suns, has filed a complaint with both the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Arizona attorney general's office's civil rights division. The complaint centers on allegations of wrongful termination and a hostile work environment during her tenure with the Suns, which spanned from September 2022 to July 2023.
Allegations and Complaints
Trischan is seeking $60 million in damages following what she describes as enduring overt racist comments and navigating a hostile work environment. The legal filings state that despite reporting these issues to Human Resources and senior management, no actionable steps were taken to address her concerns. These claims paint a troubling picture of her time with the organization.
Trischan's attorney, Sheree Wright, emphasizes her client’s plight, noting, "… [Trischan] endured overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership."
Suns' Response and Denial
The Phoenix Suns have categorically denied Trischan's accusations. According to Stacey Mitch, the senior vice president of communications for the Suns and Mercury, Trischan was terminated due to "repeated failure to perform her job duties." Mitch goes on to discredit Trischan's claims, labeling them as baseless and financially motivated. "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 states.
The spokesperson for the Suns further affirms, "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."
Concerns Over the Diversity Council
A point of contention in Trischan's complaint is the establishment of a new diversity council within the Suns' organization. Trischan expressed concerns about the inclusion of several executives accused of misconduct in this council, arguing that it undermined the very essence of DE&I initiatives. "Ms. Trischan's claims regarding the diversity council are misleading," a spokesperson for the Suns countered. "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."
A Background of Organizational Turmoil
This legal dispute continues against a backdrop of recent upheavals within the Suns' organization. Notably, the former team president and CEO, Jason Rowley, resigned in February 2023. This resignation coincided with the finalization of Mat Ishbia's purchase of the team. Additionally, at the time of Trischan’s complaint, the NBA had suspended the Suns' former owner, Robert Sarver, due to findings of inappropriate workplace conduct.
Performance Issues or Retaliation?
Trischan's performance came under scrutiny when she was placed on a performance improvement plan in late May 2023. Ultimately, she was fired in July 2023, a decision Trischan believes was retaliatory, stemming from her outspoken concerns about workplace practices and the composition of the diversity council. The Suns, however, maintain that the termination was solely performance-related.
Ongoing Investigations
Amid these accusations, the Suns have committed to participating in the ongoing review by the Arizona Civil Rights Division (ACRD). A spokesperson for the Suns stated, "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 legal proceedings unfold, the resolution of these allegations will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for both Andrea Trischan and the Phoenix Suns organization.