Andrea Trischan Files $60 Million Complaint Against Phoenix Suns
In a high-profile case that has shaken the Phoenix Suns organization, former program manager for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), Andrea Trischan, has filed a complaint alleging wrongful termination and seeking $60 million in damages. Trischan's complaint has been lodged with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Arizona attorney general's office's civil rights division.
Trischan, who served the Suns from September 2022 to July 2023, claims she was unjustly terminated and that her firing followed a stint plagued by overt racist comments and a hostile work environment. According to Trischan, her concerns were not adequately addressed despite reporting them to HR and executive leadership.
She voiced specific worries about the organization's decision to appoint several executives accused of misconduct to a newly established diversity council, an endeavor meant to bolster the Suns’ DE&I initiatives. These concerns were communicated to Kim Corbitt, the head of HR for the Suns.
The Allegations
Trischan alleges that the environment at the Suns was toxic, leading to her placement on a performance improvement plan in late May 2023, followed by her termination in July. Trischan's attorney, Sheree Wright, asserts that "Trischan endured overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership."
The backdrop to Trischan's allegations is the NBA's suspension of Robert Sarver, the former owner of the Phoenix Suns, due to findings of inappropriate workplace conduct, a move that has put the organization under a magnifying glass. Further complicating the situation, former team president and CEO Jason Rowley resigned in February 2023, the same month Mat Ishbia finalized his purchase of the team.
Suns' Response
The Phoenix Suns have categorically denied any wrongdoing. Stacey Mitch, the senior vice president of communications for the Suns and Mercury, stated, "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."
In response to Trischan's claims regarding the diversity council, a Suns spokesperson clarified, "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." The organization insists that the diversity council was a genuine effort to advance DE&I within the organization.
Legal Battle Ahead
The Suns are confident that Trischan's claims will not stand up in court. "To be clear, this individual is making false claims in an attempt to gain tens of millions of dollars," said Mitch. "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 organization has also 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.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case draws attention not only to the specific allegations against the Suns but also to broader issues of workplace culture and accountability in professional sports organizations.