Complaint Filed by Former DE&I Program Manager Against Phoenix Suns
In a significant legal and public relations challenge for the Phoenix Suns, Andrea Trischan, who served as the team’s program manager of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), has filed a formal complaint alleging wrongful termination. Trischan’s complaint has been submitted to both the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Arizona attorney general's office's civil rights division. The former executive is seeking a substantial $60 million in damages.
Trischan’s tenure with the Suns lasted less than a year, from September 2022 to July 2023. During this period, Trischan claims she experienced an overtly hostile work environment punctuated by racist comments that, according to her, went unaddressed despite her reports to HR and executive leadership. This troubling allegation is central to her complaint, as she asserts that the organization failed to protect her from workplace discrimination and retaliation.
Concerns About Leadership
One of Trischan’s core grievances is the organization’s decision to appoint executives accused of misconduct to a newly established diversity council. Trischan voiced her concerns to Kim Corbitt, the head of HR for the Suns. "… [Trischan] endured overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership," noted her attorney, Sheree Wright.
The controversy surrounding the Suns' leadership is not new. The former owner, Robert Sarver, was suspended by the NBA due to findings of inappropriate workplace conduct. Additionally, the former team president and CEO, Jason Rowley, resigned in February 2023, coinciding with Mat Ishbia's purchase of the team.
The Suns’ Response
The Phoenix Suns have categorically denied Trischan’s allegations. Stacey Mitch, the senior vice president of communications for the Suns and Mercury, responded vigorously to the 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 also criticized the basis of Trischan’s complaint, arguing that it hinges on past issues related to former 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."
Moreover, the Suns’ spokesperson emphasized the ongoing commitment to a positive workplace culture. "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."
Contesting the DE&I Council
A specific point of contention is the purpose and composition of the diversity council. Trischan expressed concerns over its establishment and the individuals appointed. However, the Suns defended the council’s role and makeup. "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," stated a spokesperson for the Suns.
Performance Issues and Termination
According to Trischan, she was placed on a performance improvement plan in late May 2023, allegedly as a retaliatory measure. Her termination came two months later in July. Mitch's statement provided insight into the Suns' perspective on her departure: "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."
This case continues to unfold with the Phoenix Suns actively participating in the ongoing review by the Arizona Civil Rights Division. For now, the situation has placed a spotlight on the complex and often contentious issues of workplace culture, discrimination, and organizational accountability within professional sports teams.