NWSL, NWSLPA joint investigation report details ‘widespread misconduct’
New York TimesThe NWSL and NWSL Players Association released Wednesday the full report of their joint investigation led by Covington & Burling and Weil. The report details “widespread misconduct directed at NWSL players” at “the vast majority of NWSL clubs at various times from the earliest years of the league to the present.” Here’s what you need to know: Paul Riley’s misconduct continued at the North Carolina Courage after his contract was terminated by Portland Thorns FC in 2015, with Courage player Kaleigh Kurtz providing details of how Riley lowered boundaries and weight-shamed her during the 2019 and 2020 NWSL seasons to the joint investigative team. The report found multiple occurrences of misconduct across multiple teams: “This misconduct included sexual misconduct, inappropriate relationships with players, the blurring of professional boundaries, racially insensitive remarks, inappropriate statements about players’ weight and body types and other forms of emotional misconduct, and retaliation for reporting misconduct.” The report focuses on Riley, former Red Stars head coach Rory Dames, and former Racing Louisville head coach Christy Holly — all of whom were also the focus of the independent investigation led by Sally Q. Yates, released in October. Further details from the report From the introduction of the report: “The joint investigative team found widespread misconduct directed at NWSL players. Players told the joint investigative team that this environment dismayed them from reporting misconduct.” What they’re saying The NWSL and NWSLPA released a statement on the report following its release.
History of this topic
NWSL bans 4 from coaching, takes other disciplinary actions
Associated Press
NWSL bans Paul Riley, Christy Holly and others following joint investigation
New York Times
Inquiry finds widespread misconduct in women’s pro soccer
Associated Press
The biggest takeaways from the NWSL—NWSL PA joint investigation report
New York Times
NWSL abuse was systemic, damning report says
The Independent
U.S. Soccer, NWSL failed to provide safe environment for players, Sally Yates investigation finds
New York Times
Report finds U.S. Soccer, NWSL failed to protect players from sexual and verbal abuse
LA Times
NWSL & NWSLPA’s joint investigation, one year after Paul Riley: Where it stands, what’s next
New York Times
NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman on the James Clarkson investigation and the way forward for the league
New York Times
NWSL Players Halt Play in 'Solidarity' Moment After Sexual Misconduct Scandal
News 18NWSL scandal: Courage was unaware of sexual misconduct allegations against coach, says owner
The Hindu
Washington Spirit investigation found club repeatedly violated NWSL workplace, anti-harassment policies
New York TimesDiscover Related
)
)
)
