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The Phoenix Suns is facing a legal battle following a lawsuit filed by former employee Andrea Trischan, who alleges harassment, racial discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination during her time with the team.
Trischan, who served as the NBA team's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program manager from September 2022 until July 2023, claims she was exposed to a toxic work environment that ignored her concerns and ultimately dismissed her role in fostering workplace wellbeing.
The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court in Phoenix, includes allegations of racial discrimination, financial misconduct, and sexual harassment by both current and former Suns executives. Trischan is seeking damages, which the Suns disclosed in a statement as a potential $60million. Her attorney contends that the case is substantiated by extensive evidence, including performance reviews and email records highlighting exclusionary practices.
“Ms. Trischan’s evidence presents a clear, systemic issue of discrimination within the Suns’ organization, as documented through her work records and reports of bias,” Wright said. “This case underscores the importance of addressing workplace discrimination and creating an environment where employees' concerns are taken seriously.”
The case follows a dismissed complaint she filed with both the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Arizona’s civil rights division. In a statement, Stacey Mitch, the Suns’ Senior Vice President of Communications, labeled the lawsuit baseless. “Ms. Trischan’s claims, previously dismissed by the Arizona Attorney General, lack merit. The court will see through these allegations, which we believe to be completely unfounded,” Mitch said.
Phoenix Suns' $10m NBA fine
Trischan joined the Suns shortly after former owner Robert Sarver’s one-year suspension and $10 million fine by the NBA due to findings of systemic workplace misconduct. Her role was part of a broader DEI initiative mandated by the NBA, which required the Suns to undertake reforms, including establishing a diversity council and implementing policies for an inclusive workplace. She claims her authority was undermined, however, when the team established the council without her input, staffing it with executives who had allegedly contributed to the previous toxic environment.
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In her suit, Trischan names former team president Jason Rowley, along with former executives Dan Costello, Kyle Pottinger, and Melissa Goldenberg, as key figures in perpetuating workplace issues. After reading a report detailing allegations of misconduct by these individuals, Trischan raised concerns about their inclusion on the diversity council with her supervisor, Kim Corbitt, the Suns’ head of HR.
She claims Corbitt discouraged her from investigating complaints involving the executives, suggesting their involvement in DEI efforts was to “reshape their image.”
A spokesperson for the Suns previously stated that Trischan’s responsibilities did not involve investigations or employee relations. According to the team, the diversity council’s purpose is to foster an open dialogue around DEI data and initiatives to improve workplace culture.
Changes to Phoenix Suns team
Despite her efforts, Trischan alleges she encountered harassment and retaliation for voicing her concerns. After being placed on a performance improvement plan in May 2023, she was terminated two months later. Although mediation was discussed, the two parties were unable to reach an agreement, leading Trischan to file her lawsuit as the statute of limitations approached.
Since her departure, the Suns have seen changes in their executive team, with Pottinger and Goldenberg no longer with the organization and Rowley stepping down before Mat Ishbia assumed ownership of the team in February 2023.
This lawsuit has placed the Suns under scrutiny, highlighting the broader issue of toxic workplace cultures and their impact on an organization’s reputation, productivity, and profitability. Maintaining a strong employer brand can help stabilize an organization undergoing major transitions by providing clear values and aspirations for its workforce. A healthy workplace culture not only supports employee wellbeing but also fortifies a company’s standing in times of change.
