Complaint Filed Against Phoenix Suns
Andrea Trischan, the former program manager of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) for the Phoenix Suns, 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 served in her role with the Suns from September 2022 until July 2023, during which she alleges to have faced wrongful termination and is now seeking $60 million in damages.
Trischan’s departure from the Suns organization comes amidst her allegations of enduring overt racist comments and a hostile work environment. According to Trischan, these grievances were reported to HR and executive leadership but went unaddressed.
Concerns Over New Diversity Council
One of the more pivotal points of contention in Trischan's complaint revolves around the organization’s decision to appoint several executives accused of misconduct to a newly established diversity council. Trischan voiced her concerns about this decision to Kim Corbitt, the head of HR for the Suns, questioning the integrity and effectiveness of such appointments in promoting genuine diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
The Suns, however, have categorically denied any wrongdoing. A spokesperson for the team stated, "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."
Response from the Suns
Stacey Mitch, the senior vice president of communications for the Suns and Mercury, vehemently defended the organization's actions and motives. "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 said. "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 Suns have committed to participating in the ongoing review by the Arizona Civil Rights Division (ACRD). A spokesperson for the team affirmed their confidence in the process, stating, "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."
Background and Context
The backdrop to this legal drama includes the previous suspension of Robert Sarver, the former owner of the Phoenix Suns, due to findings of inappropriate workplace conduct. This event has cast a long shadow over the franchise and has likely contributed to the heightened scrutiny on the Suns' workplace culture.
Jason Rowley, the former team president and CEO, resigned in February 2023, around the same time Mat Ishbia finalized his purchase of the team. These significant changes in leadership have underscored the organization's ongoing efforts to rebuild and rebrand its internal culture.
Legal Representation and Claims
Andrea Trischan is being represented by attorney Sheree Wright. Wright asserts that Trischan "endured overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership." Trischan claims she was placed on a performance improvement plan in late May 2023 and was ultimately fired in July 2023.
In response to Trischan's claims, Mitch said, "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."
As the investigation by the ACRD continues, the Phoenix Suns remain steadfast in their position, denying all allegations brought forward by Trischan. The outcome of this legal battle will undoubtedly be followed closely, given its potential implications not only for the Suns but for broader issues of workplace conduct and accountability within professional sports organizations.