Former Phoenix Suns Employee Files $60 Million Wrongful Termination Complaint
Andrea Trischan, who served as the program manager of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) for the Phoenix Suns from September 2022 to July 2023, has officially filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Arizona attorney general's office's civil rights division. Trischan is alleging wrongful termination and seeking $60 million in damages from the Suns organization, claiming she endured a hostile work environment and overt racist comments during her tenure.
Trischan's complaint adds another layer of controversy to a franchise already under scrutiny. The NBA suspended the Phoenix Suns’ former owner, Robert Sarver, due to findings of inappropriate workplace conduct. Trischan expressed concerns about the organization's decision to appoint several executives accused of misconduct to a newly established diversity council. She communicated her concerns to Kim Corbitt, the head of HR for the Suns.
Allegations and Responses
Trischan claims that after voicing her concerns, she was placed on a performance improvement plan in late May 2023 and was ultimately terminated in July 2023. Represented by attorney Sheree Wright, Trischan asserts that the Suns failed to address her reports of a hostile work environment and racist comments.
"[Trischan] endured overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership," Wright stated.
However, the Phoenix Suns have categorically denied any wrongdoing. Stacey Mitch, the senior vice president of communications for the Suns and Mercury, responded firmly to the allegations.
"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," said Mitch. "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."
The organization's spokesperson also addressed the claims regarding the diversity council, stating, "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."
Leadership Changes and Ongoing Review
The Phoenix Suns have experienced significant leadership changes over the past year, which have added to the complexity of the case. Jason Rowley, the former team president and CEO, resigned in February 2023. In the same month, Mat Ishbia’s purchase of the team was finalized, signaling a new era for the franchise.
The Suns have committed to participating in the ongoing review by the Arizona Civil Rights Division (ACRD). "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," a Suns spokesperson said.
Mitch further elaborated on the organization's stance, pointing out what she believes to be the baseless nature of the claims. "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," she stated.
Conclusion
As this legal battle unfolds, it brings to light the intricate challenges organizations face in addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially against a backdrop of leadership changes and historical allegations. The sports world will undoubtedly be watching closely as the case progresses, potentially setting a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.