FLYER NEWS ARTICLE: https://flyernews.com/sports/nomoresilence-women-soccer-players-show-support-to-athletes-who-have-faced-abuse/10/13/2021/
On Wednesday, the National Women's Soccer League players linked arms six minutes into their matches. Such teams include, NJ/NY Gotham FC, Washington Spirit, NC Courage and Racing Louisville FC. This comes as a direct response following the heinous allegations against former NC Courage coach Paul Riley.
Standing together at midfield, the players will stop the game for a minute to honor the 6 years it took for Mana, Sinead, and all those who fought to be heard.
The Players Association commented on what would happen after the game, players will not "answer any questions that do not relate to abuse and systemic change in NWSL."
Former NC Courage coach Paul Riley was fired as a result from an article released from The Athletic. This article noted accusations against Riley of sexual coercion. Riley was also noted to have made inappropriate comments about players' weight, and sexual orientations. These allegations plagued three leagues for three teams, for six years.
Sinead Farrelly and Mana Shim both shared incidences with The Athletic of times when Riley allegedly sexually coerced the former players. Including an incident that took place in 2015. Mana Shim took to the franchise's front office several days after the 2015 season ended to put in a complaint against Riley; However, Riley stayed employed with the league. Riley was then rehired in 2016 by the Western New York Flash (the franchise that ultimately relocated to North Carolina). Riley was fired on Thursday, followed by the retirement announcement of Lisa Baird, the NWSL commissioner on Friday night.
On the same night, FIFA and The U.S. Soccer Federation announced the beginning of its own investigation, but it did not end with just Riley.
Spirit majority owner Steve Baldwin announced his plan to resign from his roles as the CEO and managing partner on Tuesday. This came after the club announced last week that it had fired coach Richie Burke due to being suspended for allegations of verbal and emotional abuse back in August.
Burke was fired for harassment and creating a toxic work environment for female employees, per a Washington Post investigation. In the report, former soccer players said Burke “made racially insensitive jokes” and characterized him as being “unbelievably volatile.”
The Spirit players fight went public on Tuesday as they posted statements on their social media pages calling for him to sell the team to Y. Michele Kang. They voiced that who they trust is Kang as she "continuously puts players' needs and interests first."
Beyond Riley and Burke, Farid Benstiti (OL Reign coach) was forced to resign in July after inappropriate comments were made during training. Christy Holly (Racing Louisville coach) was also fired earlier this season, and Alyse LaHue (Gotham FC general manager) was dismissed for violating the league’s anti-harassment policy.
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