Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Phoenix Suns Fire Employee who Sued the Franchise for Discrimination and Retaliation

Traylor cited an affair between Suns/Mercury CEO Josh Bartelstein and WNBA star Sophie Cunningham.

Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

The Phoenix Suns are once again at the center of controversy. The NBA franchise fired Gene Traylor, former director of security, just months after he filed a lawsuit against the team, alleging racial discrimination, harassment and retaliation. The decision, made on Monday, July 29 and reignited debates about the organizational culture within the Suns and the WNBA team Phoenix Mercury, both under the command of billionaire Mat Ishbia.

Gene Traylor joined the Suns in January 2023. He claims he suffered retaliation shortly after submitting a safety report that didn’t please management. According to his complaint, he was demoted before being officially terminated. The organization claims the dismissal was based on an independent external investigation.

“He was fired for violating company policies regarding confidentiality and for being intentionally dishonest with the investigator,” said Stacey Mitch, the Suns’ senior vice president of communications. However, attorney Cortney Walters countered: “It was an act of retaliation disguised as compliance. We are seeing a troubling pattern of discrimination and silencing within the franchise.”

In addition to the previously mentioned accusations, Traylor also cites a possible affair between Suns/Mercury CEO Josh Bartelstein and WNBA star Sophie Cunningham, recently traded from Phoenix to the Indiana Fever.

Gene Traylor Founds Guilty of the Serious Allegations of Security Breaches

Traylor’s lawsuit also alleges serious security flaws at Footprint Center. According to him, tests conducted by the Phoenix Police Department’s Homeland Security Department in 2023 and 2024 allowed plainclothes officers to enter the facility carrying weapons—without detection.

This type of complaint could have serious implications not only for the franchise’s reputation but also for its relationship with local authorities and the NBA. The allegation that security was compromised reinforces the gravity of the situation.

Traylor’s case, however, is not the only one. In November 2023, Andrea Trischan, the Suns’ former diversity manager, also filed a lawsuit for racial discrimination and wrongful termination. More recently, Nikki Blue, the former interim head coach of the Phoenix Mercury, sued the organization for pay inequality and retaliation based on race and gender.

These lawsuits form a troubling pattern that calls into question the franchise’s values and internal culture. Even with Ishbia’s promises of renewal and investment since his arrival, the Suns’ backroom remains turbulent.

As lawsuits and accusations mount, pressure mounts on the franchise’s leadership to make real changes—not just administrative ones. After all, without a healthy and safe environment for everyone, on-court success becomes secondary.

Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

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A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.