Former DE&I Program Manager Files $60M Wrongful Termination Complaint Against Phoenix Suns
A formal complaint against the Phoenix Suns has emerged as Andrea Trischan, the former program manager of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), has filed a case with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Arizona attorney general’s office’s civil rights division. Trischan, who held her position with the Suns from September 2022 until July 2023, is alleging wrongful termination and is seeking $60 million in damages.
A Storm of Allegations
Trischan’s tenure with the Suns has been marked by controversy and serious allegations. Her complaints highlight a span of issues, including overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that were allegedly unaddressed by the organization’s HR and executive leadership. Furthermore, Trischan claims that after expressing her concerns over the appointment of several executives accused of misconduct to a newly formed diversity council, her professional standing within the organization rapidly deteriorated.
One significant concern was communicated to Kim Corbitt, the head of HR for the Suns, highlighting Trischan's apprehension regarding the composition of the council. Despite these efforts, she alleges that she was placed on a performance improvement plan in late May 2023, followed by her termination in July 2023.
Official Responses from the Suns
The Phoenix Suns have categorically denied any wrongdoing in response to Trischan's allegations. Stacey Mitch, the senior vice president of communications for the Suns and Mercury, provided a statement 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 described Trischan's filing as a "baseless charge" with state agencies and accused her of leveraging old ESPN reporting from 2022, related to previous ownership, to make "egregious claims" for financial gain.
Another statement from the organization addressed the accusations directly, asserting, "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 Suns have emphasized their commitment to building a "world-class organization for every employee" and firmly rejected any attempts to manipulate media narratives for personal benefit.
The Diversity Council Debate
One of the core elements in Trischan's complaint revolves around the Suns' newly established diversity council. Trischan has raised issues about the council’s makeup, specifically the involvement of executives who have been accused of misconduct. In response, a spokesperson for the Suns defended the council’s purpose and structure, saying, "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."
Legal Perspectives
Trischan’s attorney, Sheree Wright, amplified the allegations in her statement, asserting that Trischan "endured overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership." These claims paint a troubling picture of the internal culture within the Suns' organization during Trischan’s tenure.
The current ownership under Mat Ishbia, finalized in February 2023, has been thrust into the spotlight due to these allegations. The Suns have committed to participating in the ongoing review by the Arizona Civil Rights Division (ACRD). Expressing confidence in the legal process, a Suns spokesperson remarked, "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."
Looking Forward
Jason Rowley, the former team president and CEO, resigned in February 2023, and new ownership under Mat Ishbia has been navigating significant changes. The backdrop of Trischan’s lawsuit is intertwined with the NBA’s suspension of former Suns owner Robert Sarver, following findings of inappropriate workplace conduct, adding yet another layer to the tale of organizational turbulence.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the sports community and those invested in corporate governance and DE&I initiatives will be closely watching the developments. The outcome of this case is poised to have far-reaching implications not just for the Phoenix Suns, but for the broader conversation on workplace equity and accountability in professional sports.