Phoenix Suns Firmly Deny Allegations of CEO’s Affair with WNBA Player

Phoenix Suns Firmly Deny Allegations of CEO’s Affair with WNBA Player

The Phoenix Suns and their affiliated team, the Mercury, have publicly rejected a serious allegation claiming that the franchises’ CEO, Josh Bartelstein, is involved in an affair with WNBA player Sophie Cunningham.

This allegation emerged from a lawsuit filed by former employee Gene Traylor against Suns Legacy Partners, LLC. The lawsuit, which gained attention last week, has raised significant concerns regarding internal conduct.

Traylor alleges that during a meeting with Bartelstein, he disclosed information regarding Cornelius Craig, the team’s vice president of security and risk management. According to Traylor, Craig had been making claims that Bartelstein was engaged in an illicit relationship with Cunningham.

In legal documents, Traylor claimed, “When Bartelstein asked Plaintiff to reveal what Craig was saying, Plaintiff explained that Craig had been telling others, ‘Josh Bartelstein is f—–g Sophie Cunningham.’” He further requested that Bartelstein address Craig’s comments with the security team.

In response, the Suns issued a statement strongly asserting the allegations are entirely false and morally reprehensible. Stacey Mitch, the senior vice president of communications for the Suns, emphasized the questionable origins of these claims.

Allegations and Legal Context

Mitch stated, “Attorney Sheree Wright, a personal injury and immigration lawyer currently serving a two-year probation with the Arizona State Bar for violating the rules of professional conduct, sees an opportunity because of the reports about previous ownership. Ms. Wright has now filed four separate lawsuits against the organization, seeking over $140 million in compensation. To date, her cases have been dismissed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Arizona Civil Rights Division, or voluntarily withdrawn.”

She emphasized that Wright continues to introduce what the Suns describe as salacious lies into her complaints, anticipating that media outlets might report them as fact. “She hopes to coerce the Phoenix Suns into settling. Sheree Wright will not extort our organization and will never see a single dollar,” Mitch asserted.

The Suns have pledged to explore all legal options available to them in order to hold accountable those disseminating misleading and false narratives.

The Retaliation Lawsuit

Wright represents Traylor in this ongoing legal battle. Traylor, who previously served as the director of safety, security, and risk management for the Suns, has leveled accusations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation against the organization. Additionally, he alleges that he faced retaliation after raising concerns about certain security breaches.

The Suns firmly categorized Traylor’s allegations against the franchise as delusional and categorically false. A spokesperson for the team reiterated their commitment to guest safety, stating, “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.”

Impact on Sophie Cunningham

As part of the ongoing discussions, Fox News Digital also reached out to a representative for Cunningham. Following her recent trade from the Mercury to the Fever, the WNBA player has expressed that Phoenix was her “home away from home” after signing an extension with the Mercury prior to the trade.

Recently, Cunningham was sidelined from a game against the Chicago Sky due to an ankle injury, prompting questions about the implications of these allegations on her career and public image.

Ongoing Developments

This situation continues unfolding as both legal proceedings and public discussions develop. Many are keenly observing how the Suns and the WNBA navigate these serious allegations while maintaining the integrity of the franchises and the players involved. The reputation of individuals and organizations within such high-profile environments is often at stake, with considerable media scrutiny ever-present.

The Suns’ management maintains they will not tolerate false allegations and will take appropriate steps to defend their brand and personnel. As this narrative progresses, the full repercussions on the parties involved and the broader implications for the teams will be crucial to observe.

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