Andrea Trischan Files $60 Million Wrongful Termination Suit Against Phoenix Suns
In a move that has raised eyebrows throughout the NBA community, Andrea Trischan has officially lodged a complaint against the Phoenix Suns with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Arizona attorney general's office's civil rights division. Trischan, who served as the program manager of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) for the Phoenix Suns from September 2022 to July 2023, is alleging wrongful termination and seeking a staggering $60 million in damages.
The Allegations and the Response
Trischan's accusations paint a grim picture of her tenure with the Suns. She claims she was wrongfully terminated after being placed on a performance improvement plan in late May 2023, ultimately being fired in July of the same year. According to Trischan, her firing was precipitated by her raising concerns about the organization’s decision to appoint several executives accused of misconduct to a newly established diversity council. She communicated these concerns to Kim Corbitt, the head of HR for the Suns.
"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," responded Stacey Mitch, the senior vice president of communications for the Suns and Mercury. Furthermore, Mitch dismissed the suit as an attempt to leverage previous problematic episodes under the Suns’ former ownership for personal gain. "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."
Claims of a Hostile Work Environment
Adding more fuel to the controversy, Trischan is also accusing the organization of fostering a hostile work environment where she endured overt racist comments that went unaddressed. Trischan’s attorney, Sheree Wright, heavily criticized the organization for neglecting to tackle these reported incidents. According to Wright, "[Trischan] endured overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership."
The Suns have categorically denied any wrongdoing. A spokesperson for the Suns remarked, "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."
Structural Changes and New Ownership
Trischan’s tenure coincided with significant structural changes within the organization. In February 2023, Mat Ishbia finalized his purchase of the team. Around the same time, Jason Rowley, the former team president and CEO, resigned, which was seen as a potential opportunity for the franchise to turn a new leaf. However, allegations such as those put forward by Trischan have kept the franchise under the microscope.
The NBA had already taken stringent action against the former owner Robert Sarver, suspending him due to findings of inappropriate workplace conduct. While the team has made strides to reform under new ownership, including the establishment of a diversity council, questions remain about the execution and effectiveness of these new initiatives.
A Suns spokesperson defended the diversity council, stating, "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."
Legal Battle Ahead
As the case progresses, both sides appear entrenched in their positions. The Suns have openly declared their commitment to cooperating with ongoing investigations 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 asserted.
With accusations of racism and a hostile work environment juxtaposed against claims of opportunism and baseless allegations, the legal proceedings are set to be closely watched. The case adds another chapter to the Phoenix Suns' ongoing saga of management and organizational turmoil, as the team aims to rebuild its image under new leadership.