'Systemic failure': Thorns owner apologises as allegations rock NWSL
3 years, 2 months ago

'Systemic failure': Thorns owner apologises as allegations rock NWSL

The Hindu  

National Women's Soccer League side Portland Thorns said on Monday it regrets its role in "a systemic failure across women's professional soccer" after sexual harassment allegations against one of its former coaches and promised change. The Athletic on Thursday outlined allegations of sexual coercion and misconduct by former head coach Paul Riley, who led the North Carolina Courage to back-to-back NWSL championships in 2018 and 2019, after speaking to more than a dozen players he coached since 2010. In an open letter, Thorns' team owner Merritt Paulson said the organisation placed Riley on immediate suspension after receiving the complaint against its then-coach and shared what it learned in its own investigation with the NWSL but failed to be more transparent with the public. " made an opaque announcement about not renewing Riley’s contract as opposed to explicitly announcing his termination, guided by what we, at the time, thought was the right thing to do out of respect for player privacy," said Paulson, whose Peregrine Sports also owns Major League Soccer side the Portland Timbers.

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History of this topic

The NWSL kicks off its 12th season this weekend, with two new teams and a new media deal
9 months, 1 week ago

The NWSL kicks off its 12th season this weekend, with two new teams and a new media deal

Associated Press  

Now that the National Women’s Soccer League has effectively distanced itself from the turbulence of two years ago, Commissioner Jessica Berman is extolling the league’s momentum heading into Season 12 and beyond. The NWSL has two new teams in Bay FC and the Utah Royals, a new media rights deal that will provide fans greater access to games and an …

Portland Thorns purchased by Sacramento Kings co-owners for NWSL-record $63 million amid fans' continued demands for a sale over 2021 sexual misconduct scandal
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Portland Thorns purchased by Sacramento Kings co-owners for NWSL-record $63 million amid fans' continued demands for a sale over 2021 sexual misconduct scandal

Daily Mail  

The NWSL's Portland Thorns have been sold for a league-record $63 million following years of fans' unrest over fallout from the Paul Riley sexual misconduct scandal. Merritt Paulson, whose Peregrine Sports also owns Major League Soccer's Portland Timbers, put the Thorns up for sale in late 2022 amid a series of abuse and misconduct scandals that rocked the NWSL. A …

NWSL’s Portland Thorns purchased by Bhathal family; Previous owner faced persistent calls to sell
11 months, 2 weeks ago

NWSL’s Portland Thorns purchased by Bhathal family; Previous owner faced persistent calls to sell

Associated Press  

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Thorns have been acquired by the Bhathal family, investors in the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, the National Women’s Soccer League team announced Wednesday. Merritt Paulson, whose Peregrine Sports also owns Major League Soccer’s Portland Timbers, put the Thorns up for sale in late 2022 amid a series of abuse and misconduct scandals that rocked the NWSL. …

NWSL bans four coaches, fines teams after misconduct inquiry
1 year, 11 months ago

NWSL bans four coaches, fines teams after misconduct inquiry

The Hindu  

The National Women’s Soccer League has handed lifetime bans to four former coaches and fined the Chicago Red Stars and Portland Thorns $1.5 million and $1 million respectively, part of sweeping sanctions from a misconduct inquiry. A joint investigation unit for the league and their players association also said in December it found widespread, ongoing misconduct, a saga that engulfed …

NWSL bans 4 from coaching, takes other disciplinary actions
1 year, 11 months ago

NWSL bans 4 from coaching, takes other disciplinary actions

Associated Press  

The National Women’s Soccer League permanently banned four coaches Monday as part of disciplinary action taken against several individuals and teams in response to an investigation into alleged abuse and misconduct in the league. Former North Carolina coach Paul Riley, former Chicago Red Stars coach Rory Dames, former Washington Spirit coach Richie Burke and former Racing Louisville coach Christy Holly …

NWSL bans Paul Riley, Christy Holly and others following joint investigation
1 year, 11 months ago

NWSL bans Paul Riley, Christy Holly and others following joint investigation

New York Times  

The National Women’s Soccer League announced a series of bans and fines Monday for both individuals and organizations stemming from last year’s joint investigative report with the NWSL Players Association, led by the law firm Covington & Burling. NWSLPA Statement in Response to the NWSL’s Corrective Action Announcement: pic.twitter.com/bm5ntS8dYv — NWSLPA January 9, 2023 Backstory These sanctions stem from the …

Inquiry finds widespread misconduct in women’s pro soccer
2 years ago

Inquiry finds widespread misconduct in women’s pro soccer

Associated Press  

An investigation commissioned by the National Women’s Soccer League and its players union found “widespread misconduct” directed at players dating back to the beginnings nearly a decade ago of the league. The NWSL-commissioned report said club staff in positions of power “made inappropriate sexual remarks to players, mocked players’ bodies, pressured players to lose unhealthy amounts of weight, crossed professional …

The biggest takeaways from the NWSL—NWSL PA joint investigation report
2 years ago

The biggest takeaways from the NWSL—NWSL PA joint investigation report

New York Times  

On Wednesday, the NWSL and NWSL Players Association released the full report following their joint investigation into misconduct across the league. The report says: “When reflecting on his jokes related to Jewish people, Burke said that he did not know there had been Jewish people on the team.” One player reported a comment made by Paul Riley during his time …

Rhian Wilkinson resigns from Portland Thorns amidst concerns over player relationship cleared by investigation
2 years ago

Rhian Wilkinson resigns from Portland Thorns amidst concerns over player relationship cleared by investigation

New York Times  

Editor’s Note: This story is included in The Athletic’s Best of 2022. “The Portland Thorns and Coach Wilkinson followed all league processes and policies and fully cooperated with this investigation,” said NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman. The players wrote that they had met with Portland’s interim CEO, Heather Davis, concerning Wilkinson and Menges, but were left “feeling unsettled and unsafe” after …

Thorns to be sold amid fallout from women’s soccer scandals
2 years ago

Thorns to be sold amid fallout from women’s soccer scandals

Associated Press  

The owner of the Portland Thorns announced Thursday he is putting the club up for sale, the latest fallout from an investigation into misconduct in the National Women’s Soccer League. During the Thorns’ NWSL victory in the final at Audi Field, some fans held a sign that read: “Support The Players.” Those fans are getting their wish, although Paulson said …

Thorns, Timbers owner Merritt Paulson to sell NWSL club: What price it could fetch and what’s next
2 years ago

Thorns, Timbers owner Merritt Paulson to sell NWSL club: What price it could fetch and what’s next

New York Times  

Portland Thorns FC and Timbers FC owner Merritt Paulson announced Thursday that he intends to sell the NWSL’s Thorns. Immediately after the release of U.S. Soccer’s investigation, led by former Deputy Attorney General Sally Q. Yates, in early October, Thorns captain Becky Sauerbrunn told media, “It’s my opinion that every owner and executive and U.S. Soccer official who have repeatedly …

How Portland Thorns fans balanced protest and support for the NWSL semifinal
2 years, 2 months ago

How Portland Thorns fans balanced protest and support for the NWSL semifinal

New York Times  

The afternoon before the Portland Thorns battled the San Diego Wave for a spot in the NWSL championship game, a group of 20 people gathered outside the northeast entrance to Providence Park. They had three main goals: support the players, build community, and pressure Peregrine Sports LLC to sell its two pro soccer teams: The NWSL’s Portland Thorns and MLS’s …

Paulson steps away as CEO of Timbers, Thorns amid scandal
2 years, 2 months ago

Paulson steps away as CEO of Timbers, Thorns amid scandal

Associated Press  

PORTLAND, Ore. — Merritt Paulson removed himself Tuesday as the chief operating officer of the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer and the Portland Thorns of the National Women’s Soccer League. “Effective immediately, I am removing myself as CEO of the Portland Thorns and Portland Timbers, and announcing a global search for a CEO of the organization.” Former acting U.S. …

Abcarian: Harassment and abuse? Just another day in women's soccer
2 years, 2 months ago

Abcarian: Harassment and abuse? Just another day in women's soccer

LA Times  

Megan Rapinoe, with trophy and the U.S. team, after they won the 2019 Women’s World Cup in soccer. There are so many disturbing allegations in last week’s bombshell report on abusive behavior and sexual misconduct in women’s professional soccer: coaches grooming players, coercing sex, bullying, retaliating for spurned advances, vulgar name-calling. “It was incident after incident, building upon themselves, revealing …

Megan Rapinoe Says 2 NWSL Owners Should Be 'Gone' After Abuse Report
2 years, 2 months ago

Megan Rapinoe Says 2 NWSL Owners Should Be 'Gone' After Abuse Report

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING Two-time World Cup champ Megan Rapinoe called for the expulsion of two team owners on Thursday in the wake of a report detailing rampant abuse in the National Women’s Soccer League. Rapinoe, an NWSL player for Seattle’s OL Reign and a noted activist for the women’s game, called out Portland Thorns owner Merritt Paulson and Chicago Red …

Thorns fire execs, Louisville apologizes following report
2 years, 2 months ago

Thorns fire execs, Louisville apologizes following report

Associated Press  

The Portland Thorns have dismissed a pair of team executives in the wake of an investigation into misconduct in the National Women’s Soccer League. Former acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Q. Yates and the law firm of King & Spaulding released results of their investigation Monday that detailed “systemic” abuse and misconduct in women’s soccer. Among them was former Thorns …

Abuse in women’s pro soccer league was systemic, report says
2 years, 2 months ago

Abuse in women’s pro soccer league was systemic, report says

Associated Press  

An independent investigation into the scandals that erupted in the National Women’s Soccer League last season found emotional abuse and sexual misconduct were systemic in the sport, impacting multiple teams, coaches and players, according to a report released Monday. “Abuse in the NWSL is rooted in a deeper culture in women’s soccer, beginning in youth leagues, that normalizes verbally abusive …

US Soccer players face systematic sexual and emotional abuse in NWSL, investigation finds
2 years, 2 months ago

US Soccer players face systematic sexual and emotional abuse in NWSL, investigation finds

The Independent  

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Former acting …

NWSL abuse was systemic, damning report says
2 years, 2 months ago

NWSL abuse was systemic, damning report says

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy An independent investigation into the …

Report finds U.S. Soccer, NWSL failed to protect players from sexual and verbal abuse
2 years, 2 months ago

Report finds U.S. Soccer, NWSL failed to protect players from sexual and verbal abuse

LA Times  

Players at the top levels of women’s professional soccer in the U.S. were subjected to pervasive, systemic and widespread sexual abuse and harassment, and the NWSL and U.S. Soccer did little to stop it, a yearlong report conducted by former acting Atty. Yates’ report, released Monday by U.S. Soccer, found some of the top coaches in the sport were subjects …

Team: Thorns owner disclosed coach was fired for cause
2 years, 3 months ago

Team: Thorns owner disclosed coach was fired for cause

Associated Press  

PORTLAND, Ore. — When Portland Thorns owner Merritt Paulson was contacted in 2019 about former coach Paul Riley’s interest in becoming coach of the U.S. women’s national team, he disclosed Riley had been fired by the team for cause but Paulson didn’t try to shape a decision, the team said. The team’s statement came in response to a report by …

Report: Former NWSL coach accused of misconduct decades ago
2 years, 10 months ago

Report: Former NWSL coach accused of misconduct decades ago

Associated Press  

Former Chicago Red Stars coach Rory Dames has been accused of misconduct stretching back decades when he was a youth team coach, well before he joined the National Women’s Soccer League team, according to a published report. Dames abruptly resigned last November ahead of a report in the Post that said former players, including national team forward Christen Press, had …

Again and again. Women's pro soccer players are just the latest to deal with abuse
3 years, 2 months ago

Again and again. Women's pro soccer players are just the latest to deal with abuse

NPR  

Women's pro soccer players are just the latest to deal with abuse Enlarge this image toggle caption Steve Dipaola/AP Steve Dipaola/AP One more U.S. soccer match to go for Carli Lloyd. The country's top women's pro soccer league, the NWSL, is still reeling from a scandal involving multiple coaches and alleged abusive behavior toward players. "So we normalize a grown …

NWSL Players Halt Play in 'Solidarity' Moment After Sexual Misconduct Scandal
3 years, 2 months ago

NWSL Players Halt Play in 'Solidarity' Moment After Sexual Misconduct Scandal

News 18  

Players from the Washington Spirit and Gotham FC halted play on Wednesday, leading protests against sexual misconduct scandals that have swept across the National Women’s Soccer League in recent weeks. Washington and Gotham players halted play in the sixth minute in what was described as a gesture of “solidarity” by the NWSL Players Association, and similar protests followed at the …

'No more silence': NWSL players return to the field
3 years, 2 months ago

'No more silence': NWSL players return to the field

The Hindu  

Banners and signs declaring "PROTECT THE PLAYERS" and "NO MORE SILENCE" ringed National Women's Soccer League pitches on Wednesday as teams took to the field for the first time since sexual misconduct allegations rocked the competition. The matches were the first since a report from the Athletic on Thursday outlined allegations of sexual coercion and misconduct against former North Carolina …

NWSL scandal: Courage was unaware of sexual misconduct allegations against coach, says owner
3 years, 2 months ago

NWSL scandal: Courage was unaware of sexual misconduct allegations against coach, says owner

The Hindu  

North Carolina Courage owner Steve Malik said the team only became aware of sexual harassment and coercion allegations against former coach Paul Riley when they were reported last week. National Women's Soccer League games at the weekend were postponed after The Athletic on Thursday outlined allegations of sexual coercion and misconduct by Riley, who led the Courage to back-to-back championships …

National Women's Soccer League: Washington Spirit, Gotham FC players halt play in 'solidarity' moment
3 years, 2 months ago

National Women's Soccer League: Washington Spirit, Gotham FC players halt play in 'solidarity' moment

Firstpost  

NWSL games resumed on Wednesday with three fixtures after the league called off games last weekend following the latest revelations to hit the top professional women’s league in the United States. Washington: Players from the Washington Spirit and Gotham FC halted play on Wednesday, leading protests against sexual misconduct scandals that have swept across the National Women’s Soccer League in …

NWSL team owner apologises, regrets 'systemic failure' in handling abuse
3 years, 2 months ago

NWSL team owner apologises, regrets 'systemic failure' in handling abuse

Firstpost  

Paulson said the Thorns conducted an internal investigation into Riley after then-players Sinead Farrelly and Mana Shim made the alleged accusations. Los Angeles: Portland Thorns owner Merritt Paulson issued an apology on Monday to two ex-players for his team’s role in the handling of sexual coercion allegations against former coach Paul Riley. Paulson said the team should have been more …

US Soccer Names Former Prosecutor to Head Probe of Sexual Misconduct in NWSL
3 years, 2 months ago

US Soccer Names Former Prosecutor to Head Probe of Sexual Misconduct in NWSL

News 18  

The US Soccer Federation is calling on a former federal prosecutor to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct and abusive behavior roiling the top US professional women’s soccer league. “US Soccer has retained Sally Q. Yates of King & Spalding LLP to lead an independent investigation into allegations of abusive behavior and sexual misconduct in women’s professional soccer,” the federation said …

NWSL's weekend matches postponed, commissioner sacked for mishandling of sexual misconduct charges against coach Paul Riley
3 years, 2 months ago

NWSL's weekend matches postponed, commissioner sacked for mishandling of sexual misconduct charges against coach Paul Riley

Firstpost  

US media also reported late Friday that Lisa Baird has been removed from her role as National Women’s Soccer League commissioner. Baird’s reported dismissal comes a day after the North Carolina Courage fired head coach Paul Riley for what the team called “very serious allegations of misconduct.” “This week, and much of this season, has been incredibly traumatic for our …

NWSL Commissioner Baird resigns amid scandal
3 years, 2 months ago

NWSL Commissioner Baird resigns amid scandal

Associated Press  

National Women’s Soccer League Commissioner Lisa Baird resigned after some 19 months on the job amid allegations that a former coach engaged in sexual harassment and misconduct. Baird’s resignation was announced by the league late Friday, a day after The Athletic published the accounts of two former players who claimed misconduct, including sexual coercion, by North Carolina coach Paul Riley. …

Megan Rapinoe sends furious message after NWSL coach accused of sexual misconduct
3 years, 2 months ago

Megan Rapinoe sends furious message after NWSL coach accused of sexual misconduct

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy World Cup winner Megan …

NWSL calls off weekend games after allegations against coach
3 years, 2 months ago

NWSL calls off weekend games after allegations against coach

The Hindu  

The National Women's Soccer League will not play the games scheduled for this weekend as it deals with the fallout from allegations of sexual misconduct against a former coach. North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley was fired by the team following a report in The Athletic that detailed the alleged misconduct, which included claims from two former players of sexual …

NWSL terminates North Carolina Courage coach Riley following allegations of abuse
3 years, 2 months ago

NWSL terminates North Carolina Courage coach Riley following allegations of abuse

The Hindu  

The National Women's Soccer League said the North Carolina Courage have terminated coach Paul Riley after a report that detailed allegations of abusive behavior. "The league, in concert with the North Carolina Courage, as reacted swiftly in response to these new allegations, and former head coach Paul Riley has been terminated." Baird said the league was submitting the allegations from …

NC Courage coach Riley fired after misconduct allegations
3 years, 2 months ago

NC Courage coach Riley fired after misconduct allegations

Associated Press  

The North Carolina Courage fired coach Paul Riley on Thursday after allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct were detailed in a published report. National Women’s Soccer League Commissioner Lisa Baird said in a statement that the league is referring the allegations to the U.S. Center for SafeSport for investigation. “The North Carolina Football Club is united together in our commitment …

NWSL coach Paul Riley sacked following allegations of abuse
3 years, 2 months ago

NWSL coach Paul Riley sacked following allegations of abuse

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The National Women’s Soccer League said the North …

‘This guy has a pattern’: Amid institutional failure, former NWSL players accuse prominent coach of sexual coercion
3 years, 2 months ago

‘This guy has a pattern’: Amid institutional failure, former NWSL players accuse prominent coach of sexual coercion

New York Times  

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect that the North Carolina Courage fired Paul Riley on Thursday. You’re trying to survive in his hierarchy.” Riley responded to a list of 23 questions about his alleged conduct with an email in which he stated that the majority of the allegations are “completely untrue.” He wrote: “I have never had …

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