Andrea Trischan, who served as the program manager of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) for the Phoenix Suns from September 2022 to July 2023, has filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Arizona attorney general's office's civil rights division. Trischan is alleging wrongful termination and seeking $60 million in damages.
Her complaint follows a turbulent period within the Phoenix Suns organization, which saw the NBA suspend former owner Robert Sarver due to findings of inappropriate workplace conduct. Trischan alleges that during her tenure, she endured overt racist comments and a hostile work environment. Despite reporting these issues to HR and executive leadership, she asserts they went unaddressed.
Concerns Over Diversity Council
Trischan expressed her dismay over the Suns’ decision to appoint several executives accused of misconduct to a newly established diversity council. She communicated these concerns to Kim Corbitt, the head of HR for the Suns. According to Trischan, her objections were not taken seriously, and her attempts to raise awareness about the improper appointments were met with resistance.
Turn of Events
In late May 2023, Trischan was placed on a performance improvement plan and was ultimately fired in July 2023. This sequence of events, she claims, was in retaliation for her outspoken criticism of the organization's handling of diversity and inclusion issues. Her attorney, Sheree Wright, has articulated that Trischan’s dismissal was due to her attempts to improve the company's DE&I initiatives.
"[Trischan] endured overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership," Wright stated.
Denial of Wrongdoing
The Phoenix Suns organization has categorically denied any wrongdoing. Stacey Mitch, the senior vice president of communications for the Suns and Mercury, responded to Trischan's allegations in strong terms, 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 continued, "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."
Further Defense
The Suns have also questioned the validity of Trischan’s concerns about the diversity council. A spokesperson for the organization emphasized that the purpose of the diversity council "is to listen to the diversity data and information on DE&I initiatives to continue to further the organization's DE&I commitment."
The Suns remain committed to cooperating with the ongoing review by the Arizona Civil Rights Division (ACRD). The organization believes that the review will exonerate them of any misconduct. "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," declared a Suns spokesperson.
Organizational Changes
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Jason Rowley, the former team president and CEO, resigned in February 2023. Around the same time, Mat Ishbia's purchase of the team was finalized. These significant changes in the organization's leadership further complicate an already intricate situation.
The Road Ahead
As the case progresses, the eyes of the sports community will be closely watching. The Phoenix Suns, now under new ownership, are determined to prove their commitment to building a respectful and inclusive work environment. Despite the allegations and the legal battle ahead, the organization remains steadfast in its denial of Trischan's claims.
Trischan's lawsuit and the ensuing legal scrutiny spotlight critical issues within professional sports organizations regarding workplace culture and practices. The resolution of this case may have far-reaching implications for the Suns and the broader NBA community.