The accusations of “hateful fan comments” toward Chicago Sky star Angel Reese during Saturday’s 93-58 season-opening win isn’t the only investigation of concern for the Indiana Fever.
Last week, Front Office Sports disclosed that former Phoenix Suns director of safety, security, and risk management Gene Traylor had filed a shocking lawsuit alleging racial discrimination against Phoenix Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein. In retaliation, Traylor claims he was demoted.
Additionally, the lawsuit claims that Bartelstein, who is married, had a continuous affair with Sophie Cunningham, a valued offseason addition to the Fever, when she was with the Phoenix Mercury, the WNBA team Bartelstein also serves as CEO.
Court documents show that Traylor informed Bartelstein that Suns’ vice president of security and risk management Cornelius Craig had told several people he was sleeping with Cunningham.
The 28-year-old Cunningham, who did not play in the Fever’s season opener against the Sky due to an ankle injury, was traded to Indiana back on Jan. 31 when whispers of the alleged affair started swirling.
Although Bartelstein and Cunningham have not yet responded to the allegations in public, a Suns representative attempted to disparage Traylor’s lawyer in an interview with ESPN last week.
“The Supreme Court of Arizona has twice disciplined attorney Sheree Wright for committing numerous violations of the rules of professional conduct,” the spokesperson said. “And she is currently serving a two-year probation with the State Bar of Arizona.
“This time, Ms. Wright and her client have made absurd accusations of misconduct surrounding the security department of the Phoenix Suns. These allegations are delusional and categorically false.”
There have been four lawsuits filed against the Suns since November. The prior three allege a hostile work environment, racial discrimination, and retaliatory acts against employees.