Andrea Trischan Files Wrongful Termination Complaint Against Phoenix Suns, Alleges Hostile Work Environment
Andrea Trischan, who served as the program manager of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) for the Phoenix Suns from September 2022 to July 2023, has taken significant legal action by filing a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Arizona attorney general's office's civil rights division. Trischan is alleging wrongful termination and is seeking $60 million in damages.
During her tenure, Trischan found herself in a workplace that she describes as hostile, with overtly racist comments being a part of her daily experience. Despite reporting these issues to HR and executive leadership, she claims that the concerns were not adequately addressed. Her frustrations peaked when she noticed the organization's decision to appoint several executives accused of misconduct to a newly established diversity council – a move she believed contradicted the principles of DE&I.
In expressing her concerns, Trischan communicated directly with Kim Corbitt, the head of HR for the Suns. However, by late May 2023, Trischan was placed on a performance improvement plan, which she believes was a prelude to her termination in July 2023.
Represented by attorney Sheree Wright, Trischan aims to highlight what she views as systemic issues within the Suns organization. Wright stated, "Trischan endured overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership."
The background of Trischan’s allegations is rooted in a broader context of organizational upheaval. The NBA had previously suspended the Phoenix Suns’ former owner, Robert Sarver, due to findings of inappropriate workplace conduct. This scandal cast a long shadow over the organization and may have influenced internal dynamics afterwards.
The response from the Suns has been swift and categorical. Senior vice president of communications, Stacey Mitch, has denied any wrongdoing on the part of the organization. Mitch remarked, "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 criticized the complaint by stating, "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 emphasized that the allegations are false and are attempts to gain a financial windfall. She asserted, "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 Suns also defended the integrity and purpose of their diversity council. A spokesperson for the team stated, "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."
This controversy comes on the heels of significant leadership changes within the Suns organization. Jason Rowley, the former team president and CEO, resigned in February 2023. Concurrently, Mat Ishbia's purchase of the team was finalized in the same month, ushering in a new era for the franchise.
The Suns have committed to cooperating fully with 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 definitively.
The case brings to light the critical importance of addressing workplace environment issues and ensuring that organizations live up to their DE&I commitments. As the review process unfolds, all eyes will be on how the Suns manage both their legal standing and their internal organizational health.