A former Phoenix Suns employee has filed a lawsuit against the team, alleging racial discrimination and unlawful retaliation that she claims led to her dismissal. The case, filed in U.S. District Court in Arizona, also includes allegations of financial and sexual misconduct by team employees.
Details of the Lawsuit
Andrea Trischan, who served as the Suns’ manager of diversity, equity, and inclusion for 10 months from September 2022 to July 2023, filed the lawsuit on Wednesday.
“Andrea’s case is built on substantial evidence that establishes a clear and undeniable pattern of discrimination within the Suns organization,” her attorney, Sheree Wright, said in a statement.
Trischan alleges she was terminated for raising concerns about misconduct within the organization. The claims come after a period of upheaval for the Suns, following former owner Robert Sarver’s suspension and $10 million fine for workplace misconduct. Sarver eventually sold the team to billionaire Mat Ishbia for $4 billion.
Suns Respond to Allegations
The Phoenix Suns have dismissed Trischan’s claims, calling them meritless.
“Ms. Trischan’s case was dismissed by the Arizona Attorney General’s office earlier this week,” said Stacey Mitch, Senior Vice President of Communications for the Suns and Mercury. “Her claims have been without merit from day one, and now this lawsuit, in which she is seeking $60M, is based on the same claims that were just dismissed. We are fully confident the courts will agree her story is completely fabricated.”
Previous Complaints and Dismissal
Trischan initially filed complaints with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office’s Civil Rights Division after her dismissal in July 2023. Both complaints were dismissed earlier this month.
Trischan’s Pursuit of Justice
Despite the dismissal of her initial complaints, Trischan remains committed to taking her case to court.
“Andrea remains unwavering in her pursuit of justice and is prepared to share her story and evidence with a jury,” said Wright.
The lawsuit seeks $60 million in damages and will put the Suns organization, already under scrutiny for past workplace controversies, back in the legal spotlight.
