Ex-Suns security director's discrimination case thrown out in 2026

A former Phoenix Suns security director voluntarily dropped his discrimination lawsuit against the team in April 2026.

Case dismissed with prejudice A discrimination lawsuit against the Phoenix Suns by a former security director was dropped without the possibility of refiling on April 24, 2026. The team confirmed no settlement was reached in the matter. The lawsuit had been filed in May 2025 by attorneys acting for Gene Traylor, who served as the Suns' director of safety, security and risk management since January 2023. Traylor's claims included allegations of discrimination, harassment and retaliation. ## Suns deny wrongdoing A Suns representative stated: 'From the outset, Mr. Traylor's claims were false and lacked any foundation.' The team reiterated there was no settlement and no payment would be made to Traylor. They added that Traylor had chosen to drop the case and waived his right to pursue it further. The statement emphasized the claims were 'completely baseless' and should never have been made. ## Attorneys respond to dismissal Traylor's legal team — Cortney Walters, Chloe Woods and Sherree Wright — issued a joint statement about the outcome. They noted a confidentiality agreement prevented disclosure of specific terms or the case's outcome. They explained both sides agreed to the dismissal as the appropriate course of action given the circumstances. The attorneys clarified the resolution was a procedural step, not a reflection on the validity of Traylor's original allegations. ## Multiple lawsuits against the Suns Traylor's lawsuit was one of seven filed against the Phoenix Suns since November 2024. Most involved current or former employees alleging discrimination, harassment, retaliation or wrongful termination. Traylor's case stood out as it was brought while he was still employed by the team. His role involved identifying risks related to safety, finances and reputation for the organization. ## Security concerns raised in lawsuit Traylor claimed he submitted a presentation to management in 2023 outlining specific incidents of concern, which had been reviewed earlier. He alleged this led to retaliation, including a demotion nearly a year later. He also said the team discouraged him from taking protected leave after his cancer diagnosis. Traylor asserted that on December 17, 2023, plainclothes officers with concealed weapons entered the arena using valid tickets and two brought in a knife undetected. ## Security failures detailed in legal filing In another incident on December 3, 2024, officers successfully brought two handguns and one knife past arena security. Traylor said an NBA security audit of the arena in February 2025 resulted in a failure, describing it as a routine check not tied to any of his concerns or prior incidents. The Suns disputed this, asserting they had never failed a security audit. Traylor was terminated about two months after filing his lawsuit. ## Reason for termination explained A Suns spokesperson stated Traylor was dismissed because an external investigation determined he violated company policies regarding confidential security information and was untruthful during the inquiry. The Suns were trailing the Oklahoma City Thunder 2-0 in a first-round playoff series entering Game 3 in Phoenix on April 26, 2026.