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The NWSL Players Association has issued a series of demands regarding the league’s investigation into sexual misconduct by teams and coaches, and also called on its players to show solidarity in games scheduled for Wednesday.
The teams stopped play in the sixth minute in recognition of the six years it took for Mana Shim and Sinead Farrelly’s allegations of sexual coercion and harassment against former manager Paul Riley to come to light. The demonstration is also in recognition of these players “who fought too long to be heard”. The ad was accompanied by the hashtag #NoMoreSilence.
The announcement called on fans to remain silent in support of the players. “During this time, we ask you to remain in this pain and discomfort with us as we consider what too many of us have been asked to sit for too long.”
The NWSL has been rocked in recent months by a series of layoffs and resignations linked to sexual coercion, harassment and / or abusive behavior. Riley was fired by NC Courage last week after allegations emerged that during his time with the Portland Thorns he engaged in sexual coercion and harassment from Shim and Farrelly. Following an investigation initiated by the Thorns in 2015, Riley’s contract was not renewed, although he was not prevented from later finding employment with the NWSL Western NY Flash, which is later became the NC Courage.
– Murray: NWSL’s Riley scandal points to bigger failures in the league
The league had just returned to the field after calling off games last weekend as it accepted allegations made last week against former Courage coach Riley, who was later fired.
The NWSLPA’s set of requests with respect to the organization’s independent investigation into what happened included the following:
– Each coach, general manager, representative on the Board of Governors and owner voluntarily submits to the Players Association’s independent investigation into abusive conduct. They can notify Executive Director Meghann Burke of their agreement to this request before the close of business on Wednesday, October 13, 2021.
– The scope of the NWSL investigation announced on Sunday evening October 4, 2021, be expanded to include an investigation of each of the twelve NWSL clubs represented on the Board of Governors to determine whether any abuse, whether currently known or unknown , has occurred at any time.
– The scope of the NWSL investigation should be broadened to determine whether a member of the league bureau, a club in the NWSL or someone in a position of power within the NWSL neglected to investigate the issues of ‘abuse raised by a player or employee at any given time.
Earlier today, the owner of Courage apologized for the franchise’s “failure” to create an environment in which players felt safe to come forward.
Courage owner Steve Malik’s statement in an open letter was the team’s first public comment following the news of Riley’s sacking last Thursday. The allegations rocked the league and led to the resignation of NWSL commissioner Lisa Baird.
Malik said in his letter that Courage “did their due diligence” in retaining Riley and the coaching staff after Malik bought the team in 2017.
“We were made aware of an investigation into Mr. Riley’s behavior in 2015 and were subsequently assured that he was in good standing,” Malik wrote. “During her employment with Courage, we had no knowledge of any allegations of sexual harassment or coercion. When we learned of the horrific allegations in last week’s report, we took them seriously and immediately heard about them. fired Mr. Riley. “
Former NWSL players Farrelly and Shim have brought forward allegations of abuse, including sexual coercion, dating back over a decade. The allegations were detailed last week in an article in The Athletic.
Riley has denied any inappropriate behavior.
Riley’s sacking was the latest in a string of recent controversies involving the NWSL, the top women’s professional football league in the United States.
Washington Spirit coach Richie Burke was fired last week for violating the NWSL’s anti-harassment policy detailed in the Washington Post.
OL coach Reign Farid Benstiti was ordered to resign in July after inappropriate comments made during training. Racing Louisville coach Christy Holly was sacked last month for reasons that were not made public, and Gotham FC general manager Alyse LaHue was sacked for violating the anti-harassment policy of the league. She denied the allegations.
US Soccer and FIFA have announced investigations into the league’s handling of the Riley case.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this story.
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