The Phoenix Suns’ summer just got a lot more complicated off the court.
As the Phoenix Suns brace for a pivotal summer, one that could reshape both their roster and their identity, they now find themselves navigating more than just basketball decisions. Alongside the uncertainty of coaching hires and roster construction, the organization is once again entangled in a series of legal battles that threaten to overshadow its on-court ambitions.
For a franchise that has struggled with cultural stability over the past decade, these latest allegations only deepen the cracks that began to show long before former owner Robert Sarver’s resignation in 2022. Now, with new claims surfacing and questions about internal conduct reigniting public scrutiny, the Suns are being forced to confront not just who they want to be as a team, but who they are as an organization.
In a detailed report first published by Baxter Holmes of ESPN, the scope of these allegations came to light, with Doug Haller of The Athletic offering further insight into the unfolding story.
The latest lawsuit was filed by attorneys representing Gene Traylor in U.S. District Court in Arizona. Traylor was hired in January of 2023 as the director of safety, security and risk management. Per the complaint, his responsibilities included evaluating the organization’s safety, financial and reputational risks.
In 2023, Traylor presented a security assessment that he alleges led to retaliation from management and ultimately a demotion. The presentation, viewed by The Athletic, included specific examples of incidents that Traylor said put the organization at risk. Among them:
In March of 2023, a former “team associate” was found to have stolen more than $40,000 in player shoes, apparel and merchandise.
In April of 2023, a “disgruntled subject” attempted to disrupt a photo op that included then-general manager James Jones and CEO Josh Bartelstein.
In June of 2023, a “political influencer” harassed former Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner as she walked through a Dallas airport.
The complaint also alleges the Suns failed multiple arena security tests. According to the lawsuit, the Phoenix Police Department’s Homeland Defense Bureau conducted field tests in 2023 and 2024 during which plainclothes officers successfully smuggled weapons into the arena.
The Suns firmly deny the allegation, asserting through ESPN that they have never failed a security audit.
Notably, Sheree Wright, who now represents Traylor, also stood for Andrea Trischan, a former team official in charge of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Trischan previously sued the organization, alleging racial discrimination and unlawful retaliation that ultimately cost her the job.
Two different cases. Two different voices. But the same attorney. And a pattern the organization can’t easily dismiss.
From ESPN:
“The common denominator is Sheree Wright. She is trying to extort the Suns organization,” a Suns spokeswoman told ESPN on Thursday. “Ms. Wright continues to recruit former and now current employees and is manipulating them to file meritless lawsuits.”
“The Supreme Court of Arizona has twice disciplined attorney Sheree Wright for committing numerous violations of the rules of professional conduct, and she is currently serving a two-year probation with the State Bar of Arizona,” a Suns spokeswoman told ESPN on Thursday.
Earlier in April, the Phoenix Suns faced two more legal and public allegations. One came from a former employee who accused a former Suns executive of racial and gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and retaliation, with Sheree Wright representing the case.
Around the same time, Vicente Gonzales, a former senior team member relations specialist, publicly alleged misconduct via LinkedIn, claiming he was silenced after raising staff concerns and that the Suns lack a proper system to investigate internal issues. The post was later deleted, but the message added yet another voice to a growing chorus of criticism aimed at the team’s organizational culture.
Typically, I’m more than happy to offer my two cents on all things Phoenix Suns. Whether it be a trade rumor, a roster tweak, a questionable defensive rotation, or the latest coaching decision, speculation is part of the fun. But when it comes to legal matters, I’ll defer. I’m no lawyer, and these are serious allegations with implications far beyond the hardwood.
We will continue to monitor the legal process and provide updates as appropriate.
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