Former DE&I Program Manager Files Complaint Against Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns find themselves under scrutiny again, this time facing allegations from their former program manager of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), Andrea Trischan. Trischan, who served in the role from September 2022 until 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 alleges wrongful termination and is seeking $60 million in damages. Her tenure at the organization was marked by significant concerns regarding the workplace environment and decisions made by the Suns' management. This period of contention follows closely on the heels of the NBA's suspension of former owner Robert Sarver due to findings of inappropriate workplace conduct.
Allegations of Misconduct and Hostile Work Environment
According to Trischan, her time with the Suns was marred by overt racist comments and a hostile work environment, which she claims were reported to human resources and executive leadership but went unaddressed. Trischan discussed her concerns, particularly about the appointment of several executives accused of misconduct to a newly established diversity council, with Kim Corbitt, the head of HR for the Suns.
Trischan states that in late May 2023, she was placed on a performance improvement plan and ultimately fired in July 2023. Her attorney, Sheree Wright, emphasizes the hostile conditions Trischan endured, stating, "… [Trischan] endured overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership."
The Suns' Response
In response to the allegations, the Phoenix Suns have vehemently denied any wrongdoing. Stacey Mitch, the senior vice president of communications for the Suns and Mercury, rebuffed the claims, saying, "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 further dismissed Trischan’s demands and connection to past reports, asserting, "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 has stood firm on its stance, with Mitch adding, "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."
Commitment to Diversity and Equity
A spokesperson for the Suns provided additional context regarding the controversial diversity council, arguing that Trischan's claims 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," the spokesperson explained.
Despite these reassurances, the Suns have committed to cooperating fully with 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," affirmed a Suns spokesperson.
Leadership Changes Amid Controversy
During Trischan’s tenure, the Phoenix Suns went through significant leadership changes. Jason Rowley, the former team president and CEO, resigned in February 2023, coinciding with the finalization of Mat Ishbia's purchase of the team. These changes came against the backdrop of intense scrutiny and criticism of the organization's workplace culture following the suspension of Robert Sarver.
As litigation looms, the case of Andrea Trischan versus the Phoenix Suns will likely become another focal point in the ongoing conversation about workplace culture and leadership responsibility in professional sports organizations. Whether the court finds merit in Trischan's claims remains to be seen, but the accusations have already cast another shadow over a team striving to move past its troubled recent history.