Suns Employee Files Lawsuit Against Team for Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation

Gene Traylor, a Suns employee, alleges that his reports of security issues within the organization led to retaliation and his demotion in a recently filed lawsuit.

PHOENIX — A Phoenix Suns employee has initiated legal action against the team, claiming discrimination, harassment, and wrongful demotion after raising concerns about security for the team, its staff, and PHX Arena. The lawsuit was filed on May 13 in U.S. District Court, as reported by ESPN’s Baxter Holmes.

In his suit, Traylor, the Suns’ director of safety, security and risk management, argues that his report, addressing potential safety, financial, and reputational risks, prompted retaliation from the organization. He cites violations of the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Arizona Civil Rights Act.

Traylor began his role with the Suns in January 2023. Tasked with generating an Enterprise Security Risk Management report, he identified critical security lapses. Noteworthy incidents included Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein being approached by an agitated individual during a public event in April 2023, and former Mercury player Brittney Griner facing harassment at an airport in June 2023, incidents partially highlighted by 12News. Traylor claims the security department was excluded from planning for both events.

Further issues raised by Traylor included a part-time employee allegedly stealing over $40,000 in merchandise. After presenting his findings to his supervisor, Traylor claims management retaliated, culminating in his demotion in 2024. A December 2023 meeting with Bartelstein and Corbitt allegedly ended quickly, with Bartelstein suggesting they would handle the security concerns internally.

Additionally, a security assessment conducted by the Phoenix Police Department revealed severe vulnerabilities at PHX Arena, including the unauthorized entry of weapons during tests conducted in 2024. Despite his warnings, Traylor asserts that his concerns were dismissed, increasing the risk of a severe incident.

Traylor also alleges financial misconduct within the team, including improper labeling of purchases and credit card misuse. He claims he was discouraged from investigating a conflict of interest concerning donations to the Native American Basketball Invitational, which involves the Suns’ former senior vice president.

In light of his claims, Traylor contends that a new Vice President of Security was hired specifically to challenge his position, leading to his demotion after he attempted to report the issues to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

The Suns have responded robustly to the allegations, labeling them as attempts to extort the organization. They criticized Traylor’s attorney, Sheree Wright, citing past disciplinary actions against her as grounds to question the validity of her claims.

Wright, representing multiple plaintiffs in similar lawsuits against the Suns, countered by asserting that these allegations are backed by substantial evidence and refuse to be intimidated by the organization’s legal tactics.

The litigation seeks undisclosed financial restitution, reflecting the deepening scrutiny around the Suns’ operational practices as they navigate these serious allegations.

As the case unfolds, it sheds light on the broader issues of workplace safety and accountability within professional sports organizations.