In a move that has sent ripples through the professional sports community, Andrea Trischan, the 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’s allegations go beyond wrongful termination; she is seeking $60 million in damages, claiming she was subjected to a hostile work environment and overtly racist comments.
Background and Allegations
Trischan served as the program manager of DE&I for the Suns from September 2022 until July 2023. Her brief tenure ended under contentious circumstances, with Trischan alleging she was placed on a performance improvement plan in late May 2023 before being terminated in July 2023. Her attorney, Sheree Wright, asserts that Trischan endured "overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership."
Her concerns also touched on the organizational decisions regarding the diversity council. Trischan had reservations about the exclusionary appointments of certain executives, who were previously accused of misconduct, to a newly established diversity council. These concerns were communicated to Kim Corbitt, the head of HR for the Suns.
Response from the Suns
The Phoenix Suns have categorically denied any wrongdoing. Stacey Mitch, the senior vice president of communications for the Suns and Mercury, issued a statement addressing Trischan's departure. "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 said.
Mitch went further, characterizing Trischan's claims as financially motivated. "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. 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."
The Suns also addressed Trischan's specific concerns about the diversity council through a spokesperson. "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."
Context and Current Situation
Trischan's allegations come in the wake of significant organizational upheaval within the Suns. The NBA had previously suspended the team's former owner, Robert Sarver, due to findings of inappropriate workplace conduct. Additionally, the former team president and CEO, Jason Rowley, resigned in February 2023, the same month Mat Ishbia finalized his purchase of the team.
The Suns are participating in an ongoing review by the Arizona Civil Rights Division (ACRD). They expressed confidence that this review would exonerate the organization. "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," stated a Suns spokesperson.
While the legal proceedings are still unfolding, the case of Andrea Trischan against the Phoenix Suns touches upon broader issues of workplace culture, diversity, and the ongoing efforts within professional sports organizations to create inclusive environments. As the Suns stand firm in their denial, the forthcoming legal battles and reviews will play a crucial role in determining the veracity of the claims and the future direction of the team's internal policies.