UPDATE: The Phoenix Suns have fired Gene Traylor, the employee who is currently suing the team for discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. This shocking development occurred on Friday, October 13, 2023, just days after Traylor’s attorney publicly criticized the team’s actions.
Traylor, who was the director of safety, security, and risk management for the Suns since January 2023, was terminated following an independent investigation. According to the Suns’ Senior Vice President of Communications, Stacey Mitch, the investigation concluded that Traylor had violated company policies concerning confidential security operations and was untruthful with investigators.
In a statement, Mitch noted, “While the organization typically does not comment on internal personnel matters, Mr. Traylor, or his attorney, Sheree Wright, apparently opted to publicize his termination.” However, Traylor’s legal team, including attorney Courtney Walters, vehemently disagrees. They assert that the Suns’ narrative is a blatant attempt to distract from serious allegations raised in the lawsuit.
“The so-called ‘independent investigation’ was a pretext and a convenient cover to justify a termination rooted in retaliation, not truth,”
Walters stated, emphasizing that Traylor’s attorneys plan to file a discovery request for all materials related to the investigation that led to his firing.
Traylor’s lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Arizona in mid-May, is one of five civil lawsuits against the Suns from current or former employees within a 10-month span. The latest lawsuit was brought by former Phoenix Mercury interim coach Nikki Blue, alleging race and gender discrimination and retaliation.
Traylor claims his primary responsibility was identifying risks for the Suns. He alleges that after presenting a report on security concerns, management retaliated against him, including a demotion nearly a year later. He also asserts that the team discouraged him from taking protected leave after he was diagnosed with cancer.
The lawsuit references a field test conducted on December 17, 2023, by the Phoenix Police Department’s Homeland Defense Bureau, which revealed serious security flaws at the Suns’ arena. Officers managed to bring a knife into the venue unnoticed. A follow-up test on December 3, 2024, confirmed further lapses, with officers smuggling in two handguns and another knife.
In response to these alarming findings, a Suns representative claimed, “Guest safety is our top priority. We continue to meet and exceed safety expectations.” However, Traylor’s lawsuit also points out that an NBA security audit in February 2025 revealed failures in the Suns’ security measures, which the team disputes.
As this story develops, the ramifications of Traylor’s firing and ongoing legal battle could have significant implications for the Phoenix Suns organization. With multiple lawsuits underway, it remains to be seen how the team will navigate these serious allegations.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation unfolds, impacting not only the Suns but also the broader conversation around workplace safety and discrimination in professional sports.
