A federal discrimination lawsuit filed by a former Phoenix Suns security executive was dismissed, ending a case that alleged racial bias, retaliation and serious security risks inside the organization.
The case, filed by Gene Traylor in May 2025, was dismissed “with prejudice” Thursday, meaning it is permanently closed and cannot be refiled.
The case was one among four discrimination cases against the Suns brought on by the same attorney, Sheree Wright, who, weeks ago, was reprimanded by the court.
It is unclear whether the Suns will seek attorneys’ fees or other costs, which would typically require a separate motion filed after the dismissal.
The dismissal comes after discovery and depositions, meaning the two sides shared the evidence they would likely have presented in court. The filing did not explain why the case was dropped and did not indicate that a settlement was reached.
People are also reading…
Traylor and his attorneys did not respond to requests for comment.
The Suns called Traylor's allegations "lies" and held that they were "without merit" in an emailed statement from Stacey Mitch, the team's senior vice president of communications.
“There was no settlement and there will be no payment to Mr. Traylor. Instead, he has now abandoned these baseless claims, dismissing them and waiving any ability to re-assert them,” she said.
Allegations of racial discrimination
Traylor, a Black man who worked as the Suns’ director of safety, security and risk management, filed the lawsuit after working for the organization since January 2023.
He claimed the Suns racially discriminated against him and interfered with his medical leave while he was undergoing cancer treatment.
“Black employees … are routinely devalued, marginalized and dehumanized,” the complaint states.
Traylor also alleged the organization retaliated against him after he raised concerns about security risks at the arena and misconduct within the organization.
According to the complaint, testing revealed instances where weapons made it past security screening.
Traylor said he was eventually pushed out of the organization.
The Suns denied the claims in court filings, disputing any mistreatment of Traylor.
In their response, the team said, “Defendants deny each and every allegation … and further deny any liability.”
A general view of the Phoenix Suns logo on the court before a game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Feb. 27, 2025.
The organization also argued Traylor had performance issues and was not entitled to damages.
Attorney reprimanded
Traylor was represented by Wright, who faced discipline in a separate Suns-related lawsuit weeks before the dismissal.
In a sexual discrimination case brought on by Chelsea Montes, a federal judge found filings Wright submitted contained made-up legal citations created by AI.
The judge identified 18 references that were incorrect or not real and ordered Wright to pay attorney fees, complete legal training and directed that the order be sent to the state bar and federal judges in Arizona.
The Suns asked the court to order Wright to pay $144,390 in fees.
Wright was previously reprimanded and placed on probation by the State Bar of Arizona in 2024 for unrelated misconduct stemming from multiple complaints.
Wright is involved in other discrimination lawsuits against the Suns, including a case filed by Andrea Trischan alleging racial and sexual discrimination, retaliation and a hostile work environment.
