The Phoenix Suns are once again in the headlines for the wrong reasons.
Another lawsuit has popped up as CEO Josh Bartelstein faces allegations of having an improper relationship with former Phoenix Mercury player Sophie Cunningham, as reported by Front Office Sports.
Also within the lawsuit, there are claims of racial discrimination and retaliatory demotion towards Gene Traylor, who is the Suns’ former director of safety, security, and risk management.
In his lawsuit, Traylor remembers a messy conversation with Suns executive Dan Craig, where he allegedly told others that Bartelstein had sexual relations with Cunningham.
Both Bartelstein and Cunningham have yet to comment on the subject publicly.
If true, there would be severe consequences because, as an executive, Bartelstein’s supposed relationship raises concerns about conflict of interest given his role overseeing both the Suns and Mercury.
This is the fourth federal lawsuit that has been filed against the Suns organization since last November. The first three, radiate allegations of hostile work environments, retaliatory employment, and racial discrimination.
In the complaint, Traylor complains that the Suns’ venue is “highly vulnerable” to security breaches. According to the lawsuit, Traylor was ignored by leadership when he gave warnings of safety hazards.
The lawsuit states those claims were proven to be true, after the Phoenix Police Department's Homeland Defense did testing with undercover officers sneaking in dangerous weapons such as guns and knives through security.
Following their historic $4 billion acquisition by Mat Ishbia in 2022, the Phoenix Suns seemed to be ascending into a new era of professionalism and advancement.
However, they are currently involved in multiple lawsuits that present an awful picture of the workplace.