NWSL Report Reveals Incidents of Sexual Misconduct and Emotional Abuse

US Soccer fans hold signs demanding action after abuse reports emerge

Summary

  • US Women’s soccer rocked after sexual and emotional abuse reports emerge
  • U.S. National Women’s Soccer League accused of systematic abuse
  • Abuse victims appreciated for their courage after coming forward 

An independent investigation into the U.S. National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has revealed shocking incidents of system-abetted emotional abuse and sexual misconduct that have impacted many players. Ex-U.S. Attorney General Sally Q. Yates wrote about the deep-rooted abuse that was normalized in the women’s league in her report released on October 3, 2022.

Head Coaches Ousted After Allegations Surface

Yates led the investigation with law firm King & Spaulding after ex-NWSL players Sinead Farrelly and Mana Shim alleged North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley of sexually harassing them in 2011. Consequently, Riley was fired from the job. The allegations also caused NWSL commissioner Lisa Baird to resign. Several sexual misconduct allegations surfaced hence, which led to the ouster of five head soccer coaches.

About 200 people were interviewed and several documents were examined during the probe. The investigation focused on the allegations against ex-coaches Paul Riley, Rory Dames and Christy Holly. Leicester City player Erin Simon recalled how Holly had harassed her in 2021. Holly was dismissed soon after, but his team Racing Louisville did not supply the probe with more details. The report was critical of teams interfering with the investigation. Yates upbraided the league for rebuffing players’ requests to investigate the matter. Canada Soccer recently had a similar incident where they also admitting making mistakes regarding Bob Birarda allegations.

The report made various recommendations including player safety and health, disclosure of misconduct by coaches, and prompt investigation of abuse allegations. Yates was highly critical of sexual and emotional abuse disguised as ‘tough coaching’, which drastically impacted the athletes. U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone voiced her anguish at the findings and recalled an incident during her stint as a coach with the Portland Thorns in 2013.

Parlow Cone acknowledged the systemic abuse in the league and assured of taking action that protected players from future harm. The NWSL said that it was going through the attorney general’s report. NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman supported the players and encouraged them to share their ordeals. She emphasized the league’s goal of maintaining the trust of players and stakeholders, besides moving towards a better future.

USWNTPA Commends Players’ Courage

The U.S. Women’s National Team Players Association (USWNTPA) voiced their support for players who had survived a harrowing ordeal and commended them for their courage. In the same statement, the body condemned NWSL clubs and staff for impeding the probe.

Meanwhile, U.S. Soccer said that it would implement the recommendations immediately. According to Parlow Cone, the report and its recommendations would serve as a critical point for ensuring player safety.

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