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Suns CEO Faces Lawsuit Over Affair and Discrimination Claims

5/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Phoenix Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein is embroiled in controversy as a lawsuit from ex-Director of Security Gene Traylor accuses him of having an affair with former Mercury player Sophie Cunningham, alongside claims of racial discrimination and security negligence. This marks the fourth federal lawsuit against the franchise since Mat Ishbia took ownership in 2022, with both Bartelstein and Cunningham remaining silent on the matter.

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Story summary

Phoenix Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein is embroiled in controversy as a lawsuit from ex-Director of Security Gene Traylor accuses him of having an affair with former Mercury player Sophie Cunningham, alongside claims of racial discrimination and security negligence. This marks the fourth federal lawsuit against the franchise since Mat Ishbia took ownership in 2022, with both Bartelstein and Cunningham remaining silent on the matter.