Andrea Trischan Files Complaint Against Phoenix Suns, Alleging Wrongful Termination and Hostile Work Environment
Andrea Trischan, former program manager of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) for the Phoenix Suns, has officially filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Arizona attorney general's office's civil rights division. Trischan, who worked with the team from September 2022 to July 2023, is alleging wrongful termination and seeking $60 million in damages.
At the heart of Trischan’s allegations are claims of overt racist comments and a hostile work environment during her tenure with the Suns. Through her attorney, Sheree Wright, Trischan communicated her concerns and grievances. "… [Trischan] endured overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership," Wright stated.
Trischan's time with the Suns was marred by several controversies, particularly concerning the organization’s decision-making in appointing individuals to key positions. Prior to her termination, she expressed concerns regarding the inclusion of executives accused of misconduct on a newly established diversity council. Trischan conveyed these concerns to Kim Corbitt, head of HR for the Suns, but claims these issues were not adequately addressed.
These developments follow an ongoing tumultuous period for the Suns, highlighted by the NBA’s suspension of former owner Robert Sarver after findings of inappropriate workplace conduct. The organization has since seen significant changes in leadership, with Jason Rowley, the former team president and CEO, resigning in February 2023, and Mat Ishbia finalizing his purchase of the team the same month.
In response to Trischan's allegations, the Phoenix Suns have strongly denied any wrongdoing. Stacey Mitch, 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 elaborated, "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."
The Suns organization maintains that Trischan’s claims are unfounded, asserting that she was placed on a performance improvement plan in late May 2023 due to poor performance, which ultimately led to her firing in July 2023. Mitch emphasized that the claims were an attempt to seek financial gain, stating, "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."
Despite these denials, the Suns have committed to participating in the ongoing review by the Arizona Civil Rights Division (ACRD). A Suns spokesperson remarked, "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."
Regarding the diversity council, the organization has contested Trischan's portrayal. A spokesperson for the Suns 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."
As the investigation by the Arizona Civil Rights Division continues, the spotlight remains on the Phoenix Suns’ internal practices and leadership strategies. With both parties standing firm in their positions, the outcome of this complaint will likely have significant implications for the organization’s future and its efforts to foster a diverse and inclusive environment.