Andrea Trischan, former program manager of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) for the Phoenix Suns, has filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Arizona Attorney General's Office's civil rights division. She alleges wrongful termination, seeking $60 million in damages, amid claims of enduring overt racist comments and a hostile work environment.
The Allegations
Trischan's tenure with the Suns lasted from September 2022 until July 2023. She was placed on a performance improvement plan in late May 2023 and ultimately terminated in July. During her time with the organization, Trischan voiced her concerns about the team's decision to appoint several executives accused of misconduct to a newly established diversity council. Despite her reported concerns to Kim Corbitt, the head of HR for the Suns, Trischan alleges that the issues she raised were never adequately addressed.
Her attorney, Sheree Wright, emphasized that Trischan "endured overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership." These allegations come in the wake of past controversies involving the franchise, notably the suspension of former owner Robert Sarver due to findings of inappropriate workplace conduct.
The Suns' Response
The Phoenix Suns have strongly denied any wrongdoing, categorizing Trischan's claims as baseless. Stacey Mitch, the senior vice president of communications for the Suns and Mercury, commented, "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 added, "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."
Addressing the allegations related to the diversity council, a spokesperson for the Suns clarified, "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."
Background and Ongoing Review
The complaint sits against a backdrop of significant changes within the organization. Jason Rowley, the then-team president and CEO, resigned in February 2023, coinciding with the finalization of Mat Ishbia's purchase of the team. Against this turbulent backdrop, 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 stated.
"To be clear, this individual is making false claims in an attempt to gain tens of millions of dollars," Mitch asserted. "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."
Trischan's complaint is another chapter in the ongoing narrative surrounding the Phoenix Suns and their management's handling of workplace culture and accusations of misconduct. As both parties prepare for a legal battle, the situation sheds light on the broader issues of workplace discrimination and the effectiveness of DE&I initiatives within professional sports organizations.