In a move that has sent ripples through the NBA community, Andrea Trischan, former program manager of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) for the Phoenix Suns, has filed a formal complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Arizona attorney general's office's civil rights division. The complaint alleges wrongful termination and seeks damages to the tune of $60 million.
Background on Trischan's Tenure
Trischan joined the Phoenix Suns in September 2022 with the goal of bolstering the organization's DE&I initiatives. Her tenure, however, was short-lived, ending abruptly in July 2023. Trischan asserts that she was placed on a performance improvement plan in May 2023 and was subsequently fired two months later.
Following her termination, Trischan has made serious allegations against the Suns' organization, including claims of enduring overt racist comments and a hostile work environment. She expressed concerns regarding the appointments of executives accused of misconduct to a newly established diversity council.
"[Trischan] endured overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership," said Sheree Wright, Trischan’s attorney.
Organization's Response
The Phoenix Suns have vehemently denied any wrongdoing. Stacey Mitch, the senior vice president of communications for the Suns and Mercury, countered Trischan's claims, stating, "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 addressed Trischan's claims, saying, "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."
Diversity Council Controversy
One focal point of Trischan's complaint is the organization's decision to appoint several executives accused of misconduct to a newly formed diversity council. Trischan's legal counsel highlighted this, arguing that these appointments were inappropriate and undermined the council’s objectives.
The Suns, however, defended their actions. A spokesperson 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."
Past and Present Leadership
The context of Trischan's allegations is set against a backdrop of significant leadership changes within the Phoenix Suns organization. The NBA suspended former team owner Robert Sarver due to findings of inappropriate workplace conduct. Additionally, Jason Rowley, the former team president and CEO, resigned in February 2023, just as Mat Ishbia’s purchase of the team was finalized.
Official Investigations
As the allegations mount, the Suns have pledged to cooperate 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," said a Suns spokesperson.
Stacey Mitch echoed this sentiment, saying, "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."
As this case unfolds, it highlights the delicate balance organizations must maintain in handling DE&I initiatives and employee relations, especially amid significant leadership transitions and past controversies. Whether Trischan's allegations will stand the test of legal scrutiny remains to be seen, but the outcome will undoubtedly be watched closely by many within the NBA and the greater sports community.