Andrea Trischan, a 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, who served in her role from September 2022 to July 2023, alleges wrongful termination and is seeking $60 million in damages from the Phoenix Suns organization.
Allegations of Wrongful Termination and Racism
Trischan's complaint brings serious allegations to the forefront, including claims of enduring overt racist comments and a hostile work environment. According to her attorney, Sheree Wright, these issues went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership. The former DE&I manager's tenure with the Suns came to a controversial end when she was placed on a performance improvement plan in late May 2023 and was ultimately terminated in July 2023.
Former Owner's Controversial Legacy
The backdrop to Trischan's allegations features the suspension of the Phoenix Suns’ former owner, Robert Sarver, due to findings of inappropriate workplace conduct. This history may serve to compound the seriousness of Trischan's claims, as the organization attempts to move past upheaval and controversy.
Concerns About Executive Appointments
A key part of Trischan's dispute with the Suns stems from her concern over the organization's decision to appoint several executives accused of misconduct to a newly established diversity council. She expressed these concerns directly to the head of HR, Kim Corbitt. In response to these claims, a Suns spokesperson 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."
Denial from the Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns have categorically denied any wrongdoing in the matter. Stacey Mitch, the senior vice president of communications for the Suns and Mercury, responded pointedly, 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 also criticized Trischan's filing, calling it a "baseless charge" and characterizing her financial demand as a "ridiculous demand for $60 million from the Suns organization."
Further emphasizing the organization's stance, Mitch stated, "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."
Ongoing Review and Organizational Changes
Amid these allegations, the Suns have committed to participating in the ongoing review by the Arizona Civil Rights Division (ACRD). A Suns spokesperson conveyed the team's 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."
Additionally, the Suns organization has experienced notable changes in leadership. Jason Rowley, the former team president and CEO, resigned in February 2023, concurrently with the finalization of Mat Ishbia's purchase of the team.
The narrative unfolding around Andrea Trischan and the Phoenix Suns delves deep into issues of workplace culture, executive accountability, and the ongoing challenge of genuinely implementing DE&I initiatives in professional sports organizations. As the investigation proceeds, both the Suns and Trischan will be eagerly awaiting the conclusions drawn by the ACRD, which will surely impact the future course and reputation of this notable NBA franchise.