Phoenix Suns director of safety Gene Traylor has sued the team, alleging discrimination and retaliation after raising serious security concerns, including failed police and NBA audits.
A current Phoenix Suns employee, Gene Traylor, director of safety, security, and risk management, has sued the team, alleging discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, per Baxter Holmes of ESPN.
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Traylor reportedly says that after he raised serious security concerns—including theft, harassment of a player, and failed security tests by Phoenix police and the NBA—the Suns retaliated by demoting him and discouraging him from taking protected leave following a cancer diagnosis.
The police tests in late 2023 and early 2024 found weapons getting into the arena undetected, and in February 2025, the NBA also conducted a surprise security audit that the Suns reportedly failed. The team denies ever failing any security audits.
According to ESPN, this is the fourth lawsuit filed against the Suns in seven months, all alleging discrimination or misconduct.
The Suns deny the claims and accuse the lead attorney of unethical conduct.
The organization says it's committed to improving workplace culture under new owner Mat Ishbia, who took control in 2023 and pledged to make the Suns the best place to work.
These legal issues come after a 2022 NBA investigation into misconduct under former owner Robert Sarver, which led to fines, suspensions, and mandated workplace reforms.
The Suns say they are now fully compliant and focused on creating a positive culture.
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