Nikki Blue Sues Phoenix Mercury for Discrimination
The attorneys for former interim Phoenix Mercury coach Nikki Blue have filed a lawsuit against the organization, alleging unequal treatment based on race and gender, as well as unequal pay based on race and retaliation for complaints about unfair treatment. The lawsuit was filed on Thursday in the United States District Court in Arizona. Blue, of Black race, was hired in 2022 as an assistant coach and was named interim coach of the team in June 2023, after Vanessa Nygaard was fired mid-season. Blue had a 7-21 record in the interim position. She was not retained after the season. The Mercury hired Orlando Magic assistant Nate Tibbetts, who is white. The lawsuit alleges that Blue was paid $250,000 in his interim role, which was less than the $375,000 earned by Nygaard, who is white. According to reports, Tibbetts is earning more than $1 million per season. Blue also alleges that the Mercury organization set her up to fail, making decisions about the roster in 2023 that made the team uncompetitive.One of Blue’s lawyers is Sheree Wright, who has filed other lawsuits against the Phoenix Suns and Mercury in recent seasons. Stacey Mitch, senior vice president of communications for the Suns and Mercury, stated that this is the fifth lawsuit filed against the organization by Sheree Wright, and added that the case lacks merit. Mitch explained that Blue was interviewed and considered for the head coaching position, but did not get the job based on her performance as interim coach, as well as her limited experience as a professional coach.“Despite her exemplary record and professionalism, Ms. Blue was marginalized, humiliated, and denied the opportunity to lead,” said the law firm Mesidor PLLC, co-counsel in the case.
Mesidor PLLC
