Andrea Trischan Files $60 Million Complaint Against Phoenix Suns Citing Wrongful Termination
Andrea Trischan, who served as the 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. The complaint, alleging wrongful termination and seeking $60 million in damages, has drawn significant attention and sharp responses from the organization.
Background
Initially hired in September 2022, Trischan's tenure with the Suns came to an end in July 2023. Her role as DE&I manager positioned her at the forefront of the team's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment—an appointment presumably pivotal given the recent controversies surrounding the organization.
The NBA had previously suspended the Phoenix Suns’ former owner, Robert Sarver, due to findings of inappropriate workplace conduct. This scandal undoubtedly cast a lingering shadow over the team, prompting increased scrutiny of its handling of internal affairs.
Claims and Allegations
A crucial component of Trischan's complaint concerns the establishment of a new diversity council. Trischan voiced concerns about the decision to appoint several executives, who had been accused of misconduct, to this council. She specifically communicated these apprehensions to Kim Corbitt, the head of HR for the Suns.
Furthermore, Trischan claims her tenure was marred by overt racist comments and a hostile work environment. Despite reporting these issues to HR and executive leadership, Trischan asserts that no adequate measures were taken to address them. Her legal counsel, Sheree Wright, noted, “Trischan endured overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership.”
Performance Improvement Plan
One significant turning point in this saga occurred in late May 2023, when Trischan was placed on a performance improvement plan (PIP). According to the Suns' senior vice president of communications, Stacey Mitch, Trischan was terminated due to “repeated failure to perform her job duties.” Trischan, however, views her placement on the PIP and subsequent termination as retaliatory acts following her outspoken concerns about the organization's internal practices.
Team's Response
The Phoenix Suns have categorically denied any wrongdoing. In a sternly worded statement, Mitch declared, "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 further elaborated, "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 Suns have emphasized their ongoing efforts to build a world-class organization for every employee, vowing not to let “opportunists succeed in their attempts to manipulate the media and use years old reporting to seek financial gain.”
Diversity Council Controversy
Trischan's lawsuit also brings the purpose and composition of the diversity council under scrutiny. A spokesperson for the Suns contested her allegations, 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.”
Ongoing Review
The situation is further complicated by the ongoing review by the Arizona Civil Rights Division (ACRD), in which the Suns are actively participating. A team spokesperson noted, "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." Despite this confidence, the outcome of this review remains pivotal to the resolution of Trischan's claims.
The departure of key personnel such as former team president and CEO Jason Rowley, who resigned in February 2023, and the finalization of team ownership transfer to Mat Ishbia during the same month, adds another layer to the narrative. As the legal and public relations battles unfold, all eyes will be on how the Suns navigate this formidable challenge.
In the court of public opinion, as well as the legal arena, the coming months will be critical for both Andrea Trischan and the Phoenix Suns. The resolution of this case could have significant implications for the organization’s rebuilding efforts as they try to move past an era marked by controversy and misconduct.