Andrea Trischan, the former program manager of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) for the NBA's Phoenix Suns, has taken legal action, filing a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Arizona attorney general's office's civil rights division. Trischan, who served in her role from September 2022 until July 2023, alleges wrongful termination and is seeking $60 million in damages.
Allegations and Concerns
Trischan's allegations of wrongful termination come in the wake of a series of concerns she raised during her brief tenure with the Suns. Among her claims are overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that she states went unaddressed despite her reports to HR and executive leadership. She also expressed concerns about the organization’s decision to appoint several executives, accused of misconduct, to a newly established diversity council.
According to Trischan, these issues were communicated to the head of HR for the Suns, Kim Corbitt. Subsequently, she claims she was placed on a performance improvement plan in late May 2023, culminating in her termination in July of the same year. Trischan's attorney, Sheree Wright, has stated that her client endured a significant strain due to the environment, stating, "…[Trischan] endured overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership."
Response from the Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns have categorically denied any wrongdoing. Stacey Mitch, the senior vice president of communications for the Suns and Mercury, emphasized the organization's stance in her remarks. "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. Addressing Trischan's claims, Mitch 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."
Mitch further criticized the basis of Trischan's claims, emphasizing confidence in the legal outcome. "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," Mitch stated.
Diversity Council Controversy
Trischan's concerns regarding the diversity council have also been addressed by the Suns. A spokesperson for the organization stated, "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."
Historical Context
The backdrop to these allegations includes the NBA's suspension of the Phoenix Suns’ former owner, Robert Sarver, over findings of inappropriate workplace conduct. These events have cast a long shadow over the organization's current operational policies and practices. Jason Rowley, the former team president and CEO, resigned in February 2023, coinciding with Mat Ishbia's purchase of the team being finalized in the same month.
Ongoing Legal Review
The Suns, consistent with their stated commitment to transparency and accountability, have affirmed their participation in the ongoing review by the Arizona Civil Rights Division (ACRD). A spokesperson for the Suns noted, "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."
As the legal proceedings unfold, the Suns maintain a defiant stance against the allegations, emphasizing their dedication to fostering a progressive and inclusive workplace amidst the scrutiny.