Sexual Coercion Accusations Against Former Portland Thorns Coach
The National Women’s Soccer League is investigating allegations of sexual misconduct and systemic abusive behavior, involving a former Portland Thorns Coach. That investigation comes after the league cancelled games last week, after an article appeared in The Athletic with details about players allegations against coach Paul Riley, who they accuse of sexual coercion when they played for the Portland Thorns, and Western New York.
Players like McCall Zerboni of the New York/New Jersey Gotham say it’s time for the league to do better.
Riley’s been fired from his latest head coaching position with the North Carolina Courage and Lisa Baird resigned Friday as league commissioner. An outside law firm is being brought in to further investigate the matter, with former acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates acting as the lead. FIFA, soccer’s governing body, is also looking into the claims.
The Portland Timbers wore teal ribbons to show their support of the Thorns Sunday, releasing a statement saying there is no place in sport for abuse of women.
