“Burn everything”: NWSL stops game in allegations against coach | NWSL

The National Women’s Soccer League will not play the game scheduled for this weekend as it concerns the aftermath of sexual harassment and allegations of illegal activity against former coaches.

North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley was fired from the team following a sports report detailing the alleged illegal activities, including allegations of two former players of sexual assault.

The NWSL did not announce on Friday whether the game was canceled or postponed. In a statement, Commissioner Lisa Baird said the decision was made by the NWSL Players Association.

“Much of this week and this season has been very traumatic for the players and staff. I take full responsibility for the role I’ve played. Baird, who joined NWSL in early 2020, said, “A lot of people are very sorry that I am in pain. “At the moment it’s not about continuing as usual. There’s a lot to do in our league as a whole. And our players are worth a lot better. “

OL Reign’s midfielder Jess Fishlock, who has played for the NWSL since its inception in 2013, has suggested that the league and women’s sports as a whole are in the rating.

“I think women athletes have seen a lot over the years, and not just in women’s football,” said Fishrock. “I think everyone knows what is going on in American gymnastics, and that has happened over and over again in women’s sport for years, years and years. And that’s what we’ve never felt safe enough to talk about, and when we feel brave enough to talk about it, it’s just swept under the rug or we’ve been told we were wrong … and I think we’re just over “

Immediately after the announcement on Thursday, many prominent USWNT stars called for action.

“NWSL, it’s time to put your shit together,” said Becky Sourbrunn, US women’s team captain. In a Twitter statement.. “It is unacceptable to be where we are today. The league and all clubs have to do better. “

Megan Rapinoe added Posted on Twitter: “Protect men, men who abuse women. I say again, protect men, men who abuse women. Burn everything. They all roll their heads. Let’s do it. “

US soccer revoked Riley’s coaching license after a sports report on former NWSL players Sinead Farrelly and Manasim shared their experience with Riley.

Allegations of harassment began in 2011 when she was a Philadelphia Independence player in the now-abolished Women’s Professional Soccer League.

She told the website that the abuse continued while Farreley was dating Portland Thorns. The former Thorns player Sim is also said to have been harassed. Thornes said Thursday that the team investigated Riley’s allegations and turned them over to the league after he was fired.

Riley told athletics that the claim was “not entirely true”.

Riley was Thornes’ head coach in 2014 and 2015. After Thornes’ sack, he became the season head coach of the Western New York Flash before the team was sold and relocated to North Carolina.

Riley was 2011 WPS Trainer of the Year and received the same honor at NWSL in 2017 and 2018. Courage won the NWSL championship in 2018 and 2019.

The NWSL Players Association announced on Friday that it had requested that the game be postponed this weekend. The union said it wants fans to understand and support the decision.

“It is okay to take a seat to treat yourself, to feel and take care of yourself,” the union said. “In fact, it’s more than okay and a priority. As a player, it will be our focus this weekend. “

The union also called for an independent investigation into Riley’s leveled motion. The union called for the suspension of league or club employees who were accused of violating the league’s anti-harassment policy or of failing to report illegal activity whenever this happened.

The union requested to know how Riley was hired by another club after allegations of misconduct surfaced while Riley was at the thorn.

The league did not immediately comply with these demands. The union is currently negotiating its first contract with the league.

In its ninth season, the NWSL was shaken by several scandals involving team officials.

Washington Spirit coach Richie Burke was fired after the Washington Post reported extensively on the athlete’s verbal and psychological abuse. The league officially sacked Burke Tuesday after an independent investigation and approved the ghost.

Gotham FC general manager Alyse La Hue was sacked in July following an investigation into the league’s anti-harassment policy. She denied the fraud.

Racing Louisville coach Christy Holly was sacked in September, but the reason for his sack was not disclosed.

Rain trainer Farid Ventity suddenly resigned in July. On Friday, OL Reign CEO and minority owner Bill Predmore said Ventity had been asked to step down following a private case in practice.

Ventity had previously been accused of sexist behavior by US midfielder Lindsey Horan while coaching Paris Saint-Germain. Horan says he was hit by Ventity because of her weight.