Amid the league-shattering news reported by The Athletic, a narrative of institutional harassment and abuse emerges in Portland. Paul Riley’s horrific actions brought to light during his tenure as Head Coach of the Thorns now has heads turning and demanding answers from the Thorns and the NWSL.
Where to start? 2015 seems so long ago now, but this is how Riley’s story in Portland ended, officially:
“On behalf of Thorns FC, I would like to thank Paul for his services to the club these past two seasons” said Portland Thorns General Manager Gavin Wilkinson back on September 23, 2015.
A harmless, business-like pat on the back statement to the former coach from the general manager. Riley’s team placed sixth, after all. Fair enough. Onward, Rose City, etc.
What do we know now?
Owner Merritt Paulson has acknowledged complaints were received and an investigation ensued. He has stated the results of the investigation played a role in the Thorns not retaining Riley.
“Immediately when we became aware of these allegations at the end of our 2015 season, Paul Riley was placed on administrative leave and a thorough investigation advised by outside counsel was conducted, working closely with the NWSL league office,” the team said.
The Thorns knew of Riley’s actions. The NWSL knew. Riley’s next team knew. And at every juncture, it was Riley, not the players he hurt who were protected. The institution picked its side.
If that puts the players on the losing side, it’s hardly the first time in the league.
NWSL players never stop fighting. They don’t have that benefit in the current iteration of professional women’s soccer in the United States. It must be exhausting: the side-hustles, less-than-professional stadiums, or a sudden uprooting of your entire life just for the trades-sake are daily reminders of where they stand.
What protections does the NWSL offer for this commendable commitment to the game? Nil.
USWNT star and former Thorns FC player Alex Morgan asked the league for a player handbook last year.
“There’s nothing that protects the player. There’s something about social media, there’s something about protecting the league, protecting each club, nothing about player protection. I was shocked, but at the same time, if we don’t absolutely claw and fight for ourselves, we’ve seen that we’re not going to get anything.”
For a league that demands all from its’ players, the players are right to demand change and accountability in return.
Despite a global pandemic, the NWSL continues to grow. New TV and streaming deals are here. More expansion teams are coming. This league cannot hide its mess from the shadows any longer.
Here in Portland, the Thorns blew us away the day they arrived on the scene. Subliminal talent on the pitch, unmatched passion in the stands, and trophies all draped in black and red. The Thorns must continue to set the bar and lead by example in the days to come to protect its players.
I asked a Portland-area friend of mine with two daughters who happen to play soccer what she made of the news.
“The revelations today just added another layer of worry about her health and safety as she strives for her goals and the challenges of being female in a male-dominated sport… it scares me that now I also have to worry about my daughter someday being objectified, harassed, or abused – in return for being able to play the game they love!”
Sinead and Mana: we are grateful for your bravery.
Thorns FC and NWSL leadership: we are watching.
Portland Thorns
