The Phoenix Suns are facing a lawsuit from a current staff member over claims of harassment and retaliation. Genetrailer, the team’s director of organizational safety, alleges he was demoted after discussing safety issues related to the WNBA, particularly concerning heat and mercury.
One incident cited in the lawsuit involved a security test on December 17, 2023, where two plainclothes officers managed to bring knives into a game. Interestingly, a year later, another test saw two handguns and knives passed through security as well.
The lawsuit also states that the Suns failed to conduct an NBA-mandated audit. In response, a spokesperson for the Suns dismissed the claims as “delusional and decisively wrong,” insisting that guest safety is their top priority. They mentioned that security practices meet and often exceed industry standards and that these tests are standard across the board.
Genetrailer’s claims extend to mistreatment of part-time employees and disruptive actions during team photography sessions. This lawsuit marks the fourth discrimination claim against the organization in just seven months.
Legal representation for the lawsuit comes from Shelley Wright, but the Suns’ spokesperson has criticized her for prior disciplinary issues. The spokesperson stated that Wright has been disciplined twice and is currently on probation in Arizona. They accused her of recruiting disgruntled former and current employees to file unfounded lawsuits.
Wright countered that the accusations being made are not vague; she insists they are tangible and supported by sufficient evidence.
In the background, it’s noteworthy that Matt Isba became the majority owner of the Suns in 2023 after the sale from former owner Robert Serge, which followed allegations of fraud.
