Complaint Filed Against Phoenix Suns
Andrea Trischan has officially filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Arizona attorney general's office's civil rights division, alleging wrongful termination and seeking $60 million in damages. Trischan, who served as the program manager of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) for the Phoenix Suns from September 2022 to July 2023, claims she endured overt racist comments and a hostile work environment during her tenure.
Trischan's employment with the organization came under scrutiny as the NBA suspended the Phoenix Suns’ former owner, Robert Sarver, due to findings of inappropriate workplace conduct. Despite these measures, Trischan expressed concerns about the organization’s decision to appoint several executives accused of misconduct to a newly established diversity council.
Trischan communicated her concerns to Kim Corbitt, the head of HR for the Suns. However, she claims she was placed on a performance improvement plan in late May 2023 and was ultimately fired in July 2023. "Ms. Trischan's claims regarding the diversity council are misleading," stated a spokesperson for the Suns. "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."
In response to the allegations, Stacey Mitch, the senior vice president of communications for the Suns and Mercury, categorically denied any wrongdoing. "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. "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 further addressed the claims, stating, "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."
Trischan’s attorney, Sheree Wright, echoed her client's allegations, highlighting the toxic environment Trischan reportedly faced. "… [Trischan] endured overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership," said Wright.
The Phoenix Suns have committed to participating in the ongoing review by the Arizona Civil Rights Division (ACRD). A Suns spokesperson expressed confidence in the review process: "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."
This controversy follows significant leadership changes within the Suns organization. Jason Rowley, the former team president and CEO, resigned in February 2023, coinciding with Mat Ishbia's purchase of the team being finalized that same month.
As the legal process unfolds, both Trischan and the Phoenix Suns will await the findings of the ACRD review. The outcome will play a crucial role in determining the validity of Trischan's allegations and the subsequent actions the organization will take.