Former Phoenix Suns DE&I Program Manager Files $60 Million Wrongful Termination Complaint
In a significant development, Andrea Trischan, the 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. This complaint, alleging wrongful termination, was confirmed by her attorney, Sheree Wright, and seeks $60 million in damages.
Background and Allegations
Andrea Trischan was employed by the Phoenix Suns from September 2022 to July 2023. During her tenure, she raised serious concerns about the organization's internal culture and its decision-making process regarding diversity and inclusion. Specifically, Trischan took issue with the appointment of several executives accused of misconduct to a newly established diversity council.
According to Trischan, she reported these concerns to Kim Corbitt, the head of HR for the Suns. However, instead of addressing her complaints, Trischan claims she faced retaliation. In late May 2023, she was placed on a performance improvement plan and was ultimately dismissed from her position by July.
Trischan alleges that her termination came in the wake of her raising objections to what she describes as a hostile work environment that included overtly racist comments. Despite her reports to HR and executive leadership, she claims these issues went unaddressed.
"[Trischan] endured overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership," said her attorney, Sheree Wright.
Response from the Suns
The Phoenix Suns, while agreeing to cooperate in the ongoing review by the Arizona Civil Rights Division (ACRD), have categorically denied any misconduct. Stacey Mitch, the senior vice president of communications for the Suns and Mercury, provided a strong rebuttal to Trischan's claims.
"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. "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 continued, "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."
Addressing the Diversity Council Controversy
The Suns organization also addressed Trischan's critique of the diversity council, asserting that her interpretation was misleading. A spokesperson for the Suns explained, "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."
It is worth noting that Trischan's departure from the Suns came just months after significant organizational changes. In February 2023, the Suns' former team president and CEO, Jason Rowley, resigned. Shortly thereafter, Mat Ishbia finalized his purchase of the team.
Historical Context
These recent developments with Trischan echo earlier issues within the Suns organization, notably the suspension of the team's former owner, Robert Sarver, due to findings of inappropriate workplace conduct. The climate around the organization has been turbulent, with ongoing efforts to redefine its internal culture under new ownership.
The Suns have reiterated their commitment to participating in the review by the 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," stated a team spokesperson.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the sports community will be closely watching how this high-stakes dispute between Trischan and the Phoenix Suns organization evolves, potentially setting a significant precedent for workplace culture and the handling of DE&I issues within professional sports teams.