Former Phoenix Suns DEI manager sues franchise for $60M alleging discrimination and wrongful termination: Report
While the Phoenix Suns (9-3) are off to a strong start on the court, they find themselves in a legal battle behind the scenes. News emerged Thursday morning that a former employee is attempting to sue the franchise for $60 million.
According to ESPN, the lawsuit was filed by the team's former DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) manager. Among accusing the Suns of alleged racial discrimination and wrongful termination, the ex-employee also cited financial and sexual misconduct.
Andrea Trischan, who is suing the Phoenix Suns, was hired in the midst of the Robert Sarver saga. She was brought on just after the league suspended him for a year following an investigation into his workplace conduct.
Trischan served in her role for less than a year, being terminated in the summer of 2023. She first took her case to the Attorney General in Arizona, but it ended up getting dismissed due to not having sufficient information.
Not far removed from the Sarver saga and the ugly cloud it held over the Suns, they find themselves with behind-the-scenes drama once again.
Andrea Trischan's attorney makes statement against the Phoenix Suns
Following Andrea Trischan filing a lawsuit against the Phoenix Suns, her attorney feels they have evidence to paint a clear picture of how things are run behind the scenes.
"Andrea's case is built on substantial evidence that establishes a clear and undeniable pattern of discrimination within the Suns organization," Trischan's attorney wrote.
"This evidence paints a stark picture of a workplace culture rife with discriminatory practices, where concerns raised by employees were systematically ignored or dismissed."
The primary factor of this lawsuit against the Phoenix Suns stems from their creation of a diversity council within the organization. Trischan tried to speak up after executives who were caught up in the Sarver investigation were named to this group. However, she was allegedly met with little response on the matter.
Trischan also claims that she witnessed acts of discrimination and harassment, but their complaints were met with a lot of pushback.
Before taking these measures, Tirschan and Suns reportedly brought in an outside law firm to try and settle this dispute. They were unable to come to an agreement, which resulted in this lawsuit being filed against the team.