Gene Taylor is a former Phoenix Suns employee who recently accused Phoenix Suns and Mercury CEO Josh Bartelstein of having an extra-marital affair
Gene made the accusations in his recent lawsuit accusing the organization of racial discrimination.
Who is Gene Taylor, ex-Phoenix Suns Director of Security who has accused CEO Josh Bartelstein of affair with Sophie Cunningham
Phoenix Suns and Mercury CEO Josh Bartelstein is accused of having an affair with former player Sophie Cunningham in a discrimination lawsuit filed by Gene Taylor pic.twitter.com/WALrMHzyh7
— News Now (@NewsNowUS) May 20, 2025
Taylor alleged that Josh Bartelstein had a secret affair with former Phoenix Mercury player Sophie Cunningham.
Gene Taylor accuses Josh Bartelstein of affair in new lawsuit
Gene Taylor recently sued the Phoenix Suns and their affiliated entities for racial discrimination besides alleging their failure to provide adequate security. Alongside the accusations, Gene also claimed how he had informed Bartelstein about rumors circulating from Cornelius Craig. Craig is the Vice President of Security and Risk Management for the Phoenix Suns, who reportedly demoted Gene on his first day.
According to Gene, Craig told others that Bartelstein was “f*cking Sophie Cunningham.” during a conversation on October 10, 2024. Cunningham was originally drafted by the Phoenix Mercury in 2019 and was traded to the Indiana Fever earlier this year in January 2025. Despite the strong claims, neither Bartelstein nor Cunningham has publicly addressed the accusation.
Gene Taylor bio and age
Gene Taylor is an American basketball executive who last served as the Director of Security for the Phoenix Suns. While there are not public records of his official age, he is likely in his late 40s to early 50s.
Meanwhile, Bartelstein is STILL married.
He tied the knot with Sydney Cox in 2023. There’s been no word from either of them since this story dropped.
And neither Sophie nor Josh has issued a statement about the affair allegation. pic.twitter.com/cdO4eVGsOR
— Kicks (@kicks) May 19, 2025
Profession and career
Gene Taylor was working as the Director of Security for the Phoenix Suns, where he was in charge of protecting players, staff, and facilities. Taylor was responsible for coordinating security logistics besides ensuring a safe environment for team operations. Prior to joining the Suns, he likely held various roles in security or law enforcement.
Net worth and salary
Although Gene Taylor’s exact net worth and salary details are not publicly available, he likely earns a salary worth between $120,000 and $180,000 annually. This is based on his senior position within an NBA organization, and he likely has an estimated net worth of between $500,000 to $800,000.