Phoenix Suns are once again making news 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.
In the case also includes charges of racial discrimination and retaliatory demotion against Gene Traylor, 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 complaint brought against the Suns since last November. The first three raise claims of hostile work environments, retaliatory employment, and racial discrimination.
Traylor’s complaint claims that the Suns’ venue is “highly vulnerable” to security breaches. According to the lawsuit, leadership ignored Traylor’s concerns about 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 Mat Ishbia’s unprecedented $4 billion acquisition in 2022, the Phoenix Suns appeared to be climbing into a new era of professionalism and growth.
However, they are currently involved in multiple lawsuits that present an awful picture of the workplace.