Former Phoenix Suns Employee Files Complaint, Alleges Wrongful Termination and Hostile Work Environment
Andrea Trischan, former program manager of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) for the Phoenix Suns, has officially lodged a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Arizona attorney general's office's civil rights division. Her allegations, centered on wrongful termination and hostile work conditions, have garnered significant attention.
Trischan's tenure with the Suns spanned from September 2022 to July 2023. She is now seeking $60 million in damages, contending that her dismissal was unjustified and that the work environment was toxic. These claims come amid ongoing scrutiny of the Suns organization following the suspension of former owner Robert Sarver for inappropriate workplace conduct.
Allegations of Misconduct and Hostility
According to Trischan, her troubles began when concerns regarding the organization's decision to appoint several executives accused of misconduct to a newly established diversity council were raised. She communicated these concerns to Kim Corbitt, the head of HR for the Suns, but alleges that instead of addressing them, she was placed on a performance improvement plan in late May 2023. This action, she believes, was a prelude to her termination two months later.
"Ms. Trischan endured overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership," stated Sheree Wright, Trischan’s attorney. These claims paint a disturbing picture of an organization struggling to live up to its DE&I commitments, despite public declarations to the contrary.
The Suns' Response
The Phoenix Suns have categorically denied any wrongdoing. Stacey Mitch, senior vice president of communications for the Suns and Mercury, was unequivocal in the organization's stance. "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. 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 further emphasized the inaccuracy of Trischan's allegations. "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 Diversity Council Debate
At the core of Trischan’s complaint is the contentious formation of the Suns' diversity council. She believes that having executives accused of misconduct on the council was counterintuitive to fostering an inclusive environment. A spokesperson for the Suns refuted these assertions, explaining, "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."
Yet, the significance of Trischan's claims cannot be overlooked, particularly in light of the recent changes in the Suns' leadership. Former team president and CEO Jason Rowley resigned in February 2023, coinciding with Mat Ishbia finalizing his purchase of the team. This turbulent transition period has undoubtedly added layers of complexity to the current accusations and the organization’s efforts to rebuild and promote a positive reputation.
Ongoing Investigations and Future Implications
Amidst these allegations, the Suns have committed to participating in the ongoing review 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 commented.
The outcome of this dispute will undoubtedly have lasting implications for the Suns and their commitment to DE&I. As the investigations proceed, both sides await a resolution that will bring clarity to the contentious circumstances surrounding Andrea Trischan’s departure.