The Phoenix Suns and Mercury are embroiled in a lawsuit that implicates franchise CEO Josh Bartelstein in matters involving WNBA player Sophie Cunningham. These allegations emerged from a lawsuit filed against Suns Legacy Partners, LLC by a former employee, Jean Trailer, with details being disclosed gradually since its publication last week.
In the allegations, Trailer, who previously served as the director of security and risk management, claimed that Cornelius Craig, a higher-up, suggested Bartelstein had a personal relationship with Cunningham. The lawsuit cites that when Bartelstein inquired about Craig’s comments, he was informed that Craig claimed, “Josh Bartelstein is f—-G Sophie Cunningham.” Moreover, Trailer requested that Bartelstein address Craig’s statements with the security team.
The Suns quickly refuted these reports in a statement, asserting that the claims about Bartelstein and Cunningham were “entirely false and morally outrageous.” They emphasized the need to clarify the origins of these accusations.
Attorney Shelly Wright, who represents Trailer, has come under scrutiny for past professional conduct violations but sees potential in leveraging these allegations against the Suns. Wright noted that media coverage could misrepresent facts, alluding to the potential damage to the Suns’ reputation and financial standing.
Wright argued that the organization would pursue all legal avenues available to combat what they perceive as misleading narratives. Meanwhile, the Suns described Trailer’s allegations as “delusional and intermittently false,” pledging their commitment to guest safety—a priority, they claim, remains unchanged despite these claims.
As for Cunningham, who recently transferred from the Indiana Fever to the Mercury and has praised Phoenix as her “home away from home,” she suffered an ankle injury during a match against the Chicago Sky. The situation continues to evolve, and a representative for Cunningham has been approached for comments.
