Title: Phoenix Suns Security Employee Discrimination Lawsuit Dismissed With Prejudice

A discrimination lawsuit filed by a former Phoenix Suns security employee was dismissed with prejudice on Thursday, April 24, 2026, ending a case that alleged racial bias, retaliation, and serious security risks within the organization. The lawsuit, filed in May 2025 by Gene Traylor, the team’s former director of safety, security, and risk management, was voluntarily dismissed by the plaintiff with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled. Traylor, who is Black, claimed he faced discrimination, harassment based on race, and unlawful retaliation during his employment with the Suns. According to statements from the Phoenix Suns, there was no settlement reached in the case, and no payment was made to Traylor. The team maintained that Traylor’s claims were “based on lies and entirely without merit,” asserting that he abandoned the allegations voluntarily. Traylor’s suit also alleged that the Phoenix Police Department’s Homeland Defense Bureau conducted undercover security tests at the Footprint Center in 2023 and 2024, during which plainclothes officers were able to smuggle weapons into the arena. The Suns stated that Traylor was fired in July 2025 after filing the lawsuit, citing violations of company policy related to confidential information and untruthfulness during an internal investigation. The dismissal came after the discovery and deposition phases of litigation, indicating both sides had exchanged evidence expected for trial. Traylor’s case was one of several discrimination lawsuits filed against the Suns and its WNBA affiliate, the Phoenix Mercury, since Mat Ishbia became the controlling owner of both franchises in February 2023. In a joint statement, Traylor’s attorneys noted they were bound by a confidentiality agreement and could not disclose specific terms of the dismissal, but confirmed both parties agreed to the stipulation as appropriate under the circumstances. They emphasized the resolution should not be interpreted as a judgment on the merits of the claims. As of the date of dismissal, the case is legally closed and cannot be refiled in any court.