A former manager with the Phoenix Suns organization has resigned after she alleges she became the target of bullying and retaliation for raising concerns about gender equity and other issues, ESPN reports.
Melissa Fender Panagiotakopoulos, who most recently held the title of senior premium experience manager, sent a resignation letter to 16 members of the ownership group as well as human resources last month.
The NBA is investigating majority owner Robert Sarver and the Suns' workplace following an ESPN story last year detailing allegations of racism and misogyny in the workplace.
Panagiotakopoulos, who started working for the Suns in 2007, writes she sent the letter to owners to "make certain this group can influence positive change."
Panagiotakopoulos writes there were conflicts of interest with managers' ability to receive commissions and brought up gender equity, saying "Is it a coincidence that I have been the only mother in the entire sales organization for the last 15 years? Is it because certain males were being paid more in equivalent roles?"
In a statement to ESPN, the Suns Legacy Partners organization said: "We have been made aware of allegations by a former employee and are investigating them, consistent with our Respect in the Workplace Policy. The Phoenix Suns are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive work environment free of discrimination and harassment, and we do not tolerate retaliation for the reporting of alleged misconduct."
