BREAKING: The Phoenix Suns have terminated employee Gene Traylor, who is currently suing the team for discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Traylor, who held the position of director of safety, security, and risk management since January 2023, was fired on Friday following an investigation that the Suns claim found him in violation of company policies.
In a statement to ESPN, Stacey Mitch, the Suns’ Senior Vice President of Communications, emphasized that Traylor was dismissed due to findings from an independent investigation, which concluded he had “intentionally been untruthful” regarding sensitive security operations. However, Traylor’s attorneys, Sheree Wright and Courtney Walters, assert that the Suns’ narrative is an attempt to distract from serious allegations contained in the lawsuit, which was filed in mid-May in U.S. District Court in Arizona.
Wright stated, “The so-called ‘independent investigation’ was a pretext… to justify a termination rooted in retaliation, not truth.” Traylor’s legal team plans to file for discovery to obtain all materials related to the investigation that led to his dismissal.
This case is part of a troubling pattern for the Suns, as they face a total of five civil lawsuits from current or former employees within just ten months. The most recent lawsuit was filed by Nikki Blue, the former interim coach of the Phoenix Mercury, alleging both race and gender discrimination.
Traylor’s lawsuit claims that his work involved identifying safety, financial, and reputational risks for the Suns. He presented management with a detailed report outlining significant security concerns, which he alleges led to retaliation against him, including a demotion. Furthermore, Traylor contends that the organization discouraged him from taking protected medical leave after being diagnosed with cancer.
The lawsuit highlights serious lapses in security at the Suns’ arena. On December 17, 2023, a field test conducted by the Phoenix Police Department’s Homeland Defense Bureau revealed that plainclothes officers were able to bring a knife into the venue undetected. Another test on December 3, 2024, saw officers successfully smuggling in two handguns and a knife.
In response to concerns about guest safety, a Suns spokeswoman stated, “Guest safety is our top priority. We continue to meet and exceed safety expectations.” However, Traylor’s claims indicate otherwise, alleging that the organization has failed several league security audits, including a surprise NBA audit in February 2025.
As this situation develops, the Suns’ ongoing legal challenges could have serious implications for their reputation and operations. Fans and stakeholders are urged to pay close attention to the unfolding events as Traylor and his legal team prepare to take further action in pursuit of justice. This situation is not just about one employee; it raises significant questions about workplace culture and safety within the organization.
Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to evolve.
