phoenix – A former Phoenix Suns employee is suing the team, alleging racial discrimination and unlawful retaliation that led to his termination, according to a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Arizona.

Andrea Trischan, the team’s former director of diversity, equity and inclusion, said in the lawsuit filed Wednesday that “potential financial abuse” and sexual harassment by team employees also occurred. Trischan worked for the Suns for approximately 10 months, from September 2022 to July 2023.

“Andrea’s case is based on significant evidence that reveals a clear and undeniable pattern of discrimination within the Suns organization,” Trischan’s attorney, Sheree Wright, wrote in a statement.

ESPN and The Arizona Republic first reported the lawsuit.

Trischan was hired in 2022, succeeding former owner Robert Sarver. suspended and fined $10 million Due to “workplace misconduct and organizational deficiencies.” Sarver eventually sold the team to Mat Ishbia. paying approximately $4 billion For the Suns and the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury.

After she was fired in 2023, Trischan filed complaints with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the civil rights division of the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. That proposal was rejected on November 5, according to ESPN and the Arizona Republic.

“Woman. Suns and Mercury Senior Vice President of Communications Stacey Mitch wrote in a statement: Trischan’s lawsuit was dismissed by the Arizona Attorney General’s Office earlier this week. “His claims were invalid from day one, and this lawsuit in which he is now seeking $60 million is based on the same claims that were just dismissed. We are fully confident that the courts will agree that his story is completely fabricated.”

Wright wrote that Trischan wanted to prove his case in court “rather than relying on a government agency constrained by limited resources and an overwhelming caseload.”

“Andrea remains unwavering in her pursuit of justice and is prepared to share her story and evidence with the jury,” Wright added.

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