Andrea Trischan Files Complaint Against Phoenix Suns, Seeks $60 Million in Damages
Andrea Trischan, the former program manager for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) for the Phoenix Suns, has officially lodged a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Arizona attorney general's office's civil rights division. The complaint comes in the wake of Trischan’s allegations of wrongful termination and her claim for $60 million in damages.
Trischan served in her role at the Suns from September 2022 until her termination in July 2023. Her tenure was marked by a series of concerns she expressed regarding the organization's management, particularly the decision to appoint several executives with previous misconduct accusations to a newly formed diversity council. According to Trischan, these concerns were conveyed to Kim Corbitt, the head of HR for the Suns, but ultimately fell on deaf ears.
Allegations of a Hostile Work Environment
Notably, Trischan claims she endured overt racist comments and a hostile work environment during her stint with the Suns. Despite reporting these incidents to HR and executive leadership, she contends that no action was taken to address her complaints. By late May 2023, Trischan was placed on a performance improvement plan and, shortly thereafter, was fired in July 2023.
Through her attorney, Sheree Wright, Trischan is pursuing legal action, highlighting the hostile work environment and discriminatory practices she alleges to have experienced.
Suns Deny Wrongdoing
The Phoenix Suns have categorically denied any wrongdoing in response to Trischan's claims. 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 characterized Trischan's complaint as a "baseless charge" aimed at securing a substantial monetary settlement.
"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 added. Her stance reflects the organization's confidence that the courts will dismiss Trischan's allegations as unfounded.
Changes in Leadership and Future Commitment
Amidst this controversy, significant changes have transpired within the Suns' leadership. Notably, former owner Robert Sarver was suspended by the NBA due to findings of inappropriate workplace conduct. Jason Rowley, the former team president and CEO, resigned in February 2023, a month that also saw Mat Ishbia finalizing his purchase of the team.
Addressing Trischan’s concerns about the diversity council, an unnamed Suns spokesperson 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."
The Suns maintain their stance of innocence and commitment to creating a positive work environment. "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 emphasized.
Participation in Arizona Civil Rights Division Review
While vehemently denying the allegations, the Suns have also committed to participating in the ongoing review by the Arizona Civil Rights Division (ACRD). The organization reiterated its confidence that the ACRD’s comprehensive examination will vindicate them. "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.