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Washington Spirit players have asked co-owner Steve Baldwin to sell his stakes in the team, just hours after announcing he would step down as CEO and managing partner of the club. In a report On Tuesday night, the players asked Baldwin to sell to co-owner Y. Michele Kang.
“When we asked you to step down, to step down from management, we clearly meant that you should not retain any management control,” said the Spirit players’ statement. “We’re sure you get it. As a majority owner you always have a firm grip on the decisions that need to be made at the club, even if they are taken behind a veil.”
The players added, “The person we trust is Michele. She continually puts the needs and interests of the players first. She listens. She thinks it can be a profitable business and you always said you had it. ‘intention to turn the team over to women. Now is the time. “
Baldwin’s resignation comes a week after the NWSL concluded an investigation into Spirit and former coach Richie Burke, who has been accused by several players of abusive and racist behavior.
His resignation came “at the recent request of our players,” he said. said in a press release. Club president Ben Olsen will have “full authority” over the club’s operations.
Sources Recount Athleticism that the players sent a letter to Baldwin on Monday with demands and believe Tuesday’s statement is unsatisfactory. The letter, which was also sent to the NWSL board of governors, called on Baldwin to step down from the club. Baldwin has yet to sell his share of the Spirit, sources said.
“Over the past few days, I have spent a lot of time thinking about the future of the Washington Spirit and the vision I laid out just three years ago,” Baldwin said in his statement. “I have also listened to – team leaders and staff, investors, fans and players – concerns about Spirit’s corporate culture and the conduct of our former coach. While there is a range of opinions on how we got here and how to move forward, everyone – not more than me – is committed to improving the culture of the club, eliminating distractions and refocusing attention to the players and the pursuit of a championship. “
Baldwin added: “I hope taking a step back takes away the distractions from me and allows the club to thrive.”
The Spirit has been embroiled in controversy since the allegations against Burke were made. As part of the NWSL’s investigation into Burke’s behavior, the league conducted a broader review of the club and found that it repeatedly violated workplace safety or anti-workplace policies. harassment of the NWSL, Athleticism has learned. The NWSL suspended Spirit from all league governance, giving the club a 14-day window to provide a response.
For more on the NWSL’s investigation of the Spirit, read the story of Meg Linehan, Pablo Maurer and Steph Yang in the “Go Deeper” section below.
(Photo: Randy Litzinger / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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