Suns Security Director Files Retaliation Lawsuit Over Weapons Breach Reports

The Phoenix Suns are facing a new lawsuit filed by Gene Traylor, who currently serves as the organization’s director of safety, security, and risk management. Traylor alleges discrimination, harassment, and retaliation after he raised concerns about safety protocols for both the NBA’s Suns and the WNBA's Mercury teams.

According to court documents, Traylor claims that his demotion followed a presentation in which he detailed multiple potential security lapses at the team's arena. Among the incidents cited was a December 2023 test run, conducted by the Phoenix Police Department’s Homeland Defense Bureau, where plainclothes officers successfully brought a knife into a game without being stopped by security. Nearly a year later, the lawsuit says that two handguns and an additional knife also made it past security checks during another test.

In addition to these alarming claims, Traylor asserts that the Suns failed an audit conducted by the NBA itself. The lawsuit also references several other alleged safety concerns:

• A part-time employee reportedly stole $40,000 worth of merchandise from the team.
• An unidentified "disgruntled subject" managed to interrupt a team photo-op.
• A political provocateur had close access to player Brittney Griner.

Representatives of the Suns have dismissed the allegations in forceful terms, describing them as “delusional and categorically false.” In a statement provided to the media, a team spokeswoman emphasized, “Guest safety is our top priority. We continue to meet and exceed safety expectations. We regularly conduct security tests, which is standard across the industry. We have used these proactive measures to ensure we are operating at the highest level of safety and preparedness.”

This legal action marks the fourth lawsuit brought against the Suns in the past seven months, with each suit raising claims of discrimination within the organization. Sheree Wright, the attorney representing all of the plaintiffs in these recent cases, has herself become a target of criticism from the Suns. Team officials have highlighted her disciplinary history with the Arizona Supreme Court and accused her of recruiting both former and current employees to file what they characterize as “meritless lawsuits.”

Wright has denied these accusations, countering that “these are not vague accusations. They are specific, detailed, and backed by witnesses, documentation, and corroborating evidence.”

The Suns’ ownership transition in 2023 added another layer of scrutiny to the franchise. Mat Ishbia acquired majority control of the team following the departure of former owner Robert Sarver, who sold amid multiple misconduct allegations. The latest lawsuit adds to a string of controversies challenging the organization’s workplace culture and operational standards.