CHICAGO, IL–Players of the Chicago Red Stars have released a statement through defender Tierna Davidson’s Twitter account demanding owner Arnim Whisler sell his stake in the club. Whisler, who has been removed from the club’s Board of Directors, was found to be complicit in former coach Rory Dames’s pattern of misconduct and abusive behavior in his nine seasons with the Red Stars. In fact, Whisler was mentioned in the Yates Report accusing US National Team players on the club as “trying to wreck the league” and felt players had it in for Dames.
Below is the statement in full:
We, the players of the Chicago Red Stars, are incredibly saddened, infuriated, and appalled by the reprehensible findings of the Sally Yates report. We first want to recognize the courageous individuals who bore the weight of sharing their trauma throughout the investigation. It is also imperative to acknowledge the countless current and former Red Stars who suffered verbal and emotional abuse at the hands of Rory Dames and the organization. Though it is disheartening that it took a formal investigation to uncover the abuse that numerous players have been experiencing–and voicing–in our league, we are relieved to finally see the truth exposed.
After the departure of Dames, Arnim Whisler assured us that he was shocked to hear the allegations against Dames, claiming that he had no knowledge of the environment cultivated at the club. While we were dubious about Whisler’s assertion, it wasn’t until the report was released that the extent of his dishonesty became clear. We are united with the Board of Directors in their decision to remove Whisler from the organization entirely and look forward to finding a new majority owner who can help us realize the full potential that we as players always know existed for a club. We have confidence in our Board’s ability to move this club in a direction that is mutually beneficial to players, investors, and our fans.
There are many steps that need to be taken not only in our organization but in this league to provide a protected and supportive environment in which players can thrive. We hope that the ongoing NWSL and NWSLPA joint investigation will reveal the remaining issues requiring attention as we develop a safer league. This team has endured serious hardships over the years, and it is finally our time to implement the changes for which we’ve tirelessly pushed. We are committed to building a future in which players and staff alike can experience joy and success at out club. Finally, thank you to our fans for your continuous support of the players; your loyalty has kept us going even in the darkest of times. We will continue to fight to strengthen this team, this club, and this league and will do so in our town–Chicago.
The Players of the Chicago Red Stars
