In a developing controversy surrounding the Phoenix Suns, Andrea Trischan, the former program manager of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) for the team, has filed a high-stakes complaint alleging wrongful termination and seeking $60 million in damages.
Trischan, who served in her role from September 2022 to July 2023, has taken her grievances to both the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Arizona attorney general's office's civil rights division. Central to her allegations are claims of enduring a hostile work environment, overt racist comments, and ultimately, wrongful termination.
Trischan's tenure at the Suns was marred by contentious changes within the organization. After the NBA suspended former owner Robert Sarver due to findings of inappropriate workplace conduct, the Suns committed to fostering an inclusive culture. However, according to Trischan, the actions taken by the organization did not align with this goal. She expressed concerns about the appointment of several executives accused of misconduct to a newly established diversity council.
In an effort to address her concerns, Trischan communicated directly with Kim Corbitt, the head of HR for the Suns. Despite what she saw as significant issues, Trischan claims her warnings went unheeded. Her situation seemingly worsened in late May 2023 when she was placed on a performance improvement plan. By July, she was fired.
Represented by attorney Sheree Wright, Trischan firmly stands by her claims, stating that despite reporting numerous instances of a hostile work environment, no corrective actions were taken by HR or executive leadership. "Andrea endured overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership," Wright asserted.
The Organization’s Rebuttal
The Phoenix Suns, now under the ownership of Mat Ishbia, have strongly 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," stated Stacey Mitch, the senior vice president of communications for the Suns and Mercury.
Mitch further dismissed Trischan’s allegations as baseless and an attempt at financial gain. "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 commented.
The Suns' stance is clear—they view Trischan's claims as unsubstantiated. "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," Mitch emphasized.
Diversity Council Disputes
A significant point of contention in Trischan's complaint revolves around the Suns' diversity council. Trischan has expressed skepticism about the inclusion of certain executives in the council, especially those accused of previous misconduct. However, a Suns spokesperson refuted her characterization. "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," stated the spokesperson.
The organization remains committed to cooperating with the ongoing inquiry 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 asserted.
Leadership Transitions
The timing of these allegations coincides with significant leadership transitions within the Suns organization. Jason Rowley, who served as the team president and CEO, resigned in February 2023. Shortly thereafter, Mat Ishbia finalized his purchase of the team. Against this backdrop of organizational change, Trischan's allegations add another layer of complexity to the Suns' efforts to move forward and create a positive, inclusive workplace environment.
As the legal and administrative proceedings unfold, all eyes will remain on how this high-profile dispute resolves. Both the Suns and Trischan appear prepared to stand their ground and see this conflict through to its conclusion. Whether Trischan’s charges will hold sway in the courts or be dismissed as unfounded remains to be seen, but the implications for the organization and its stakeholders are undeniably significant.