Andrea Trischan Alleges Wrongful Termination, Seeks $60 Million from Phoenix Suns
In a significant legal development, Andrea Trischan has formally filed a complaint with both the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Arizona attorney general's office's civil rights division. Trischan, who served as the program manager of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) for the Phoenix Suns from September 2022 to July 2023, is alleging wrongful termination and seeking $60 million in damages.
Claims of Misconduct and Hostile Work Environment
Trischan's tenure with the Suns was marred by controversy and allegations of inappropriate workplace behavior. In her complaint, she voiced concerns regarding the organization's decision to appoint several executives accused of misconduct to a newly established diversity council. These concerns were communicated to Kim Corbitt, the head of HR for the Suns. Additionally, Trischan alleges that she faced overt racist comments and endured a hostile work environment during her time with the team.
Despite raising her concerns with HR and executive leadership, Trischan claims that the issues went unaddressed. According to her attorney, Sheree Wright, Trischan’s experience was characterized by “overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership.”
Termination and Legal Battle Begins
The friction between Trischan and Suns management culminated in late May 2023 when she was placed on a performance improvement plan. By July 2023, she was terminated from her role. Trischan asserts that this termination was a direct result of her whistleblowing activities related to the DE&I council appointments and the general hostile environment she reported.
Reacting to the allegations, the Phoenix Suns have categorically denied any wrongdoing. Stacey Mitch, the senior vice president of communications for the Suns and Mercury, issued a strong statement: “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.”
Organizational Changes and Ongoing Reviews
During her tenure, Trischan witnessed several significant organizational changes. The NBA suspended the Suns’ former owner, Robert Sarver, after findings of inappropriate workplace conduct. Additionally, former team president and CEO Jason Rowley resigned in February 2023, the same month Mat Ishbia's purchase of the team was finalized.
In light of these upheavals, the Suns have reiterated their commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture. “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,” Mitch emphasized.
The Suns have also committed to participating in the ongoing review by the Arizona Civil Rights Division (ACRD). A Suns spokesperson stated, “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.”
Dispute Over DE&I Council
The appointment of executives accused of prior misconduct to the diversity council has been a particularly contentious issue. A spokesperson for the Suns responded to these allegations: “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 legal proceedings unfold, the case underscores the challenges organizations face in managing DE&I initiatives amidst broader cultural and personnel changes. Both parties remain resolute in their positions, with Trischan seeking significant reparations and the Suns staunchly defending their organizational integrity and actions.