Andrea Trischan, who served as the program manager of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) for the Phoenix Suns 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, citing her tenure with the Suns as marked by a hostile work environment and overt racist comments.
Filing the Complaint
Trischan's attorney, Sheree Wright, emphasized the gravity of her client's experience, stating 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 communicated her concerns about the organization's decisions directly to Kim Corbitt, the head of HR for the Suns. Additionally, she expressed disapproval over the appointment of several executives accused of misconduct to a newly established diversity council.
The Response from Phoenix Suns
In response to these allegations, the Phoenix Suns have categorically denied any wrongdoing. Stacey Mitch, the senior vice president of communications for the Suns and Mercury, dismissed the claims as baseless, stating, "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 asserted, "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."
A spokesperson for the Suns elaborated on Mitch's comments, pointing out that Trischan's assertions about the diversity council are misleading. "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."
The Context of Ownership Changes
Trischan's termination came shortly after significant changes in the Suns' ownership and leadership. The NBA suspended the team's former owner, Robert Sarver, following findings of inappropriate workplace conduct. Additionally, Jason Rowley, the former team president and CEO, resigned in February 2023. Mat Ishbia's purchase of the team was finalized in the same month, marking a new chapter for the franchise. These shifts in the organization preceded Trischan being placed on a performance improvement plan in late May 2023 and her subsequent firing in July 2023.
Ongoing Review by Arizona Civil Rights Division
The Suns have committed to participating in the ongoing review by the Arizona Civil Rights Division (ACRD). A Suns spokesperson expressed confidence in the eventual outcome of the investigation, 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."
Stacey Mitch also voiced the organization's belief in a swift resolution through the judicial system. "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 legal proceedings and the review by the ACRD continue, the sports community will be watching closely to see how this dispute unfolds. Trischan's case is a stark reminder of the tensions that can arise even within organizations that publicly champion diversity and equity. For now, the Phoenix Suns maintain their stance of full denial and await the findings that will emerge from the official investigations.