Andrea Trischan has recently filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Arizona attorney general's office's civil rights division, alleging wrongful termination from her role as the program manager of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) for the Phoenix Suns. Trischan held this position from September 2022 until July 2023 and is seeking $60 million in damages.
According to Trischan, her termination was a direct result of her vocal concerns regarding the organizational decision to appoint several executives, who were previously accused of misconduct, to a newly established diversity council. This council was designed to advance the organization’s DE&I commitment. Trischan claims she faced retaliation after she communicated these concerns to Kim Corbitt, the head of HR for the Suns. She was placed on a performance improvement plan in late May 2023, which culminated in her dismissal in July of the same year.
Allegations of Hostile Work Environment
Trischan's attorney, Sheree Wright, remarked on the hostile and racially charged environment Trischan reportedly endured during her tenure with the Suns. "… [Trischan] endured overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership." Despite these serious allegations, the Phoenix Suns have firmly denied any wrongdoing.
Responses from the Phoenix Suns
Stacey Mitch, the senior vice president of communications for the Suns and Mercury, issued a robust defense of the organization’s actions. "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 stated. She further described Trischan’s legal move as baseless, emphasizing, "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 remained confident that the courts would find no merit to Trischan's claims.
Addressing the creation and function of the diversity council, another Suns spokesperson countered Trischan’s claims, highlighting the council's intent. "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 of Previous Ownership Issues
This controversy unfolds in the shadow of broader organizational issues for the Suns. The NBA had earlier suspended the team’s former owner, Robert Sarver, following findings of inappropriate workplace conduct. Additionally, former team president and CEO Jason Rowley resigned in February 2023, coinciding with Mat Ishbia’s acquisition of the team.
Ongoing Reviews and Future Steps
The Suns have expressed their commitment to participating in the ongoing review by the Arizona Civil Rights Division (ACRD). A Suns spokesperson conveyed the team's confidence in this 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."
This situation highlights the broader challenges organizations face in genuinely implementing DE&I initiatives, balancing transparency, and addressing historical misconduct, while also defending against allegations. The outcome of Trischan's lawsuit and the findings of the ACRD's review will undoubtedly be watched closely by both supporters and critics of the Phoenix Suns.