Sexual harassment in the NWSL

Players and former staff of teams in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) have leveled several allegations and formal reports of sexual abuse, harassment, misconduct, and manipulation, as well as weight-shaming, verbal and emotional abuse, and racist and sexist remarks across its history. These allegations of crossing professional boundaries with players have led to formal investigations of and by the NWSL and many of its teams and coaches, most prominently during the league's 2021 season but including events dating to the league's inception and extending to its present.

In the findings of former US attorney general Sally Yates' report regarding an investigation commissioned by the United States Soccer Federation, she wrote that "abuse in the NWSL is rooted in a deeper culture in women's soccer, beginning in youth leagues, that normalizes verbally abusive coaching and blurs boundaries between coaches and players."^[1]

The investigations ultimately concluded that multiple forms of emotional abuse and sexual misconduct occurred across various teams and seasons; they impacted many teams, coaches, and players. This led to public protests by players and as a result, multiple coaches have been reprimanded for their behavior. Five out of 10 head coaches in the 2021 season were fired or stepped down due to misconduct allegations. Some of the more significant allegations include Coaches Riley, Dames, Burke, and Holly, who were banned from coaching and related activities in the NWSL.^[2]

Before the 14-month investigation into such allegations, there were no written rules to reprimand these coaches and other people of authority in the NWSL for gross misconduct. For the first nine years of its existence, The National Women's Soccer League operated without formal policies addressing misconduct and sexual harassment. Yet in the spring of 2021, the "Policy to Prevent and Eliminate Workplace Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying" was implemented.^[3]

Throughout the 2021 National Women's Soccer League season, allegations of abuse surfaced in multiple teams across the National Women's Soccer League in the United States. As a result, head coaches for five of the 10 teams then in the league^[a] resigned or were fired by the end of 2021, with league commissioner Lisa Baird also resigning due to the scandal.^[4][5] A later investigation led to four of these coaches receiving lifetime bans from league employment, and several other coaches and executives receiving lesser discipline.

In July 2021, OL Reign announced that head coach Farid Benstiti had resigned, with the club stating that it had "great respect for Farid’s talents and all he brought to the organization."^[6] Later that year, it was reported that Benstiti had resigned following a number of complaints of abuse, including having disparaged players' nutritional habits and fitness.^[7] Later that month, NJ/NY Gotham FC announced that general manager Alyse LaHue had been fired following an investigation into a complaint of breaching league policy. Meg Linehan of The Athletic subsequently published an article reporting that the sacking was due to a breach of the league's anti-harassment policy in specific.^[8] LaHue's lawyer released a statement stating that LaHue "denies the allegations made against her."^[9]

In August, a number of former Washington Spirit players accused coach Richie Burke of abuse. Kaiya McCullough described Burke as belligerent and aggressive, and also claimed he made multiple racist and otherwise bigoted comments towards her and her teammates.^[10] Later in August, Racing Louisville FC announced that coach Christy Holly had been fired for cause, with local television station WDRB reporting that there had been complaints of a toxic culture.^[11]

In September, the Washington Spirit fired Burke.^[12] Later that month, Nadia Nadim, who had played for Gotham FC when it was known as Sky Blue FC, accused management of forging her signature on a contract extension so they could trade her to the Portland Thorns FC in early 2016.^[13]

A finales de septiembre, The Athletic publicó una investigación sobre el entrenador del North Carolina Courage, Paul Riley , alegando que Riley había coaccionado sexualmente y abusado verbalmente de jugadoras de sus equipos, específicamente durante el período comprendido entre 2011 y 2015 (que comprende su tiempo en WPS, WPSL y NWSL). Más de una docena de jugadoras de todos los equipos que Riley había entrenado desde 2010 hablaron con la publicación y Sinead Farrelly y Mana Shim hicieron públicas sus acusaciones en su contra. En el artículo, Riley negó las acusaciones. ^{[ 14 ] [ 15 ]} El artículo también afirmó que la NWSL no actuó ante los supuestos abusos de Riley en múltiples ocasiones, incluso a principios de 2021, cuando la liga se negó a aceptar la oferta de dos de las presuntas víctimas de Riley de colaborar en la investigación de los supuestos abusos. ^{[ 16 ]} Más tarde ese mismo día, el Courage anunció que Riley había sido despedido debido a "acusaciones muy graves de mala conducta". ^{[ 17 ] [ 18 ]} El Portland Thorns emitió un comunicado el mismo día citando que algunos de los incidentes ocurrieron durante los dos años de mandato de Riley como entrenadora principal de los Thorns en 2015 y discutiendo su reacción a los incidentes en ese momento. ^{[ 19 ]}

Al día siguiente, el 1 de octubre, la NWSL anunció que, tras conversaciones con la NWSLPA, todos los partidos programados para ese fin de semana quedaban cancelados. Asimismo, tanto la FIFA como la Federación de Fútbol de Estados Unidos anunciaron que iniciarían sus propias investigaciones sobre Riley. La NWSL también anunció que iniciaría su propia investigación. ^{[ 20 ]} Esa misma noche, la comisionada de la liga, Lisa Baird, anunció su dimisión. La asesora jurídica general de la liga, Lisa Levine, también fue destituida de su cargo. ^{[ 21 ] [ 22 ]} El 4 de octubre, la NWSLPA emitió un comunicado en el que solicitaba a la NWSL que implementara una serie de reformas, entre ellas:

1. Todos los entrenadores, gerentes y propietarios deben participar en una investigación sobre abusos;
2. El alcance de la investigación de la NWSL deberá ampliarse para incluir a todos los clubes;
3. El alcance de la investigación de la NWSL debe ampliarse para incluir a la administración de la liga;
4. Que la liga implemente un "Protocolo de Retirada", mediante el cual se suspenda a las personas que hayan estado en una posición de poder cuando una persona investigada por abuso trabajaba bajo sus órdenes;
5. Que la NWSL publique los detalles de los informes internos sobre abusos;
6. Que la NWSL coopere con la NWSLPA;
7. Que la NWSLPA tenga voz y voto en la contratación del próximo comisionado de la liga.

A number of Portland Thorns players also released a statement calling for Thorns general manager Gavin Wilkinson to be suspended.^[23] Wilkinson was subsequently put on administrative leave from the Thorns, but remained manager of the MLS Portland Timbers.^[24] Later in October, players interrupted several matches to link arms in a circle in the center of a field to protest against abuse.^[25] The protest was repeated by players in several leagues outside the United States, such as the FA Women's Super League, in a gesture of solidarity.^[26]

On October 18, the NWSL announced that Marla Messing had been appointed interim-commissioner.^[27] On October 29, the NWSLPA announced that the league had met all of the union's demands for reform.^[28] On October 30, Spirit president of sporting operations Larry Best announced his resignation from the club.^[29]

On November 22, just two days after losing to the Spirit in the NWSL championship final, the Chicago Red Stars announced that head coach Rory Dames had resigned effective immediately.^[30] Later that day, The Washington Post sports reporter Molly Hensley-Clancy reported that prior to resigning, The Post had approached the Red Stars Front Office with allegations from players, both previous and current, of abuse by Dames. The Post also provided documentation of reports made to United States Soccer Federation by players such as Christen Press as far back as 2014, detailing abuse, harassment, and inappropriate use of his power as head coach to manipulate players. “Three former Red Stars players, including one who played on the team at the time of the investigation, told The Post that they had wanted to speak to U.S. Soccer investigators but had never heard from them,” reported Hensley-Clancy. “Two had left the team because of Dames’s abuse, they said.”^[31] On November 24, the Red Stars ownership released a statement apologizing to "Christen Press, Jennifer Hoy, Samantha Johnson and those players who didn’t feel safe to come forward" and saying that "our club will require significant reflection and evaluation to ensure this does not happen again."^[32]

The USSF commissioned former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates to investigate the reported abuse and issued the results on October 3, 2022. The Yates Report included previously undisclosed information relating to the firing of Christy Holly. According to the report, he had sexually abused Racing player Erin Simon multiple times.^[33][b] The Yates Report also noted that multiple players who had been with Gotham FC (then Sky Blue FC) when Holly was that team's coach considered him "paranoid, ultra-aggressive, short-tempered, nasty, mean, patronizing, humiliating." Also, he was involved in a romantic relationship with then-Sky Blue captain Christie Pearce, with the Yates Report noting that according to the club's then-general manager Tony Nese, the relationship had become "so toxic and disruptive that he had 'lost the locker room'."^[34] Sky Blue had asked Holly to resign in 2017 over these issues, but the club termed his release "mutually agreed" in a press release.^[35][36][37]

The Yates Report also noted that Racing refused to fully cooperate with the investigation, saying "Racing Louisville FC refused to produce documents concerning Christy Holly and would not permit witnesses (even former employees) to answer relevant questions regarding Holly's tenure, citing non-disclosure and non-disparagement agreements it signed with Holly." The Red Stars and Thorns also did not fully cooperate with the Yates investigation.^[35]

Upon the release of the Yates Report, Portland Timbers and Thorns owner Merritt Paulson initially announced he, along with general manager Gavin Wilkinson and president Mike Golub, would step away from the Thorns. On October 5, 2022, Wilkinson and Golub were fired from the club altogether.^[38] On December 1, Paulson announced that he would sell the Thorns.^[39]

In October 2022, reacting to the Yates Report, journalist Sally Jenkins wrote a column in the Washington Post about the United States Center for SafeSport. She called SafeSport “a false front … little more than another coverup operation, a litigation-avoidance ploy and bottomless pit into which to dump complaints and disguise inaction.”^[40] In conclusion, she wrote that SafeSport is "abuser-friendly," and a sham.^[40]

The joint NWSL/NWSLPA investigation led to the release of a separate report on December 14, 2022 that provided more details on abuses within multiple NWSL teams. Notably, this report pointed out that the NWSL's culture, forged in part by the fact that its two predecessorleagues had folded, discouraged players from reporting misconduct; in fact, the NWSL had not established a firm definition of "misconduct". It also noted that the league had failed to adequately vet technical staff. For example, Holly was hired by Racing despite lacking the required coaching licenses. The release of the NWSL/NWSLPA report led to the Houston Dash not renewing Clarkson's contract, which had expired at the end of the 2022 season.^[41]

On January 9, 2023, NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman handed down discipline based on the findings of the joint league–union report. Burke, Dames, Holly, and Riley received lifetime bans from participation in the league. Former Utah Royals head coach Craig Harrington and former Gotham GM Alyse LaHue drew two-year bans, with further conditions on subsequent NWSL employment. Clarkson and Cromwell would be allowed to return to the league upon completing anti-harassment training and demonstrating a commitment to change. Benstiti, Greene, former Orlando Pride goalkeeping coach Aline Reis, and former Houston Dash coach Vera Pauw must meet the same criteria to return to the NWSL.^[42]

The scandal sparked intense debate, including over the structure of the NWSL, a lack of transparency within the NWSL, the ownership in the NWSL, and on abuse in women's and grassroots soccer on a wider scale.^{[43][44][45][46]}

NWSL Players Association executive director Meghann Burke said that there were "systemic issues that relate to who gets these coaching jobs, who is in positions of power."^[47]Orlando Pride and Canadian national team goalkeeper Erin McLeod said that NWSL players "are being underpaid, undervalued, which makes them feel desperate and like they're replaceable. And so when they're told to lock it up, not say anything, knowing they could be replaced by someone else in the next week, they aren't given much choice."^[48] Former Republic of Ireland women's national team player Ciara McCormack said that she had "heard countless accounts of harm in sport over the last few years" and that "powerful organizations masked this abusive behavior by these top coaches and both were allowed to waltz effortlessly into new roles in similar spaces within months of being accused of sexual misconduct against players."^[49] Former Spirit player Kaiya McCullough said that "you have these people who are abusers and who are bullies and they have unilateral control over other people's livelihoods" and called for "the big players to come out and support and to call things out for things to get done because they wield more power and when you're talking about these larger power structures, these intricate systems of power, it often takes people who wield some of that power to be able to impact what's happening."^[50]

Red Stars co-owner Sarah Spain described the scandal as 'devastating,' citing concerns about the institutional protection of abusive behavior because there’s money in it, because there’s success in it, because there’s prestige in it. And so people will default toward protecting an institution, and to see it happen in a women’s league is so infuriating," adding "how do you balance investing with sustainability?"^[51] The new interim league commissioner, Marla Messing, stated that it was necessary for the league to "make the changes that are fundamental to having a league where players feel valued and safe and feel like they are receiving the respect that they deserve."^[52]

Writing for NBC News, Britni de la Cretaz argued that homophobia within women's soccer had been under-discussed in reactions to the scandal, saying that, "while it’s true that it’s much more acceptable to be openly queer in women’s sports, there are plenty of examples that show it’s still not entirely safe," pointing to accusations of homophobia included in the claims of abuse against several of the NWSL teams. De la Cretaz further argued that "the reality is that even leagues known to be queer-friendly are often run by white, cishet men. As a result, they replicate — and enforce — existing systems of power and oppression."^[53]

Following the NWSL scandal, a number of abuse allegations surfaced in national teams outside the United States.^[54][55] A week after The Athletic investigation into the North Carolina Courage, two dozen players from the Venezuela women's national team co-signed a statement saying they'd faced "abuse and harassment, physical, psychological and sexual" from former national team head coach Kenneth Zseremeta.^[56] Two former Australia women's national soccer team players, Lisa De Vanna and Rhali Dobson, also spoke out about abuse they had faced in their national team.^[57]Football Australia and Sport Integrity Australia subsequently announced they would be launching an investigation into the claims.^[58]

The NWSL also indefinitely suspended two head coaches during the 2022 NWSL season under protective policies newly enacted in the aftermath: Houston Dash head coach and general manager James Clarkson, on April 27, 2022, by recommendation of the joint league and players association investigation into league-wide misconduct initiated in October 2021;^[59] and Orlando Pride head coach Amanda Cromwell, as well as assistant coach Sam Greene, on June 7, 2022, as subjects of a new joint league and players association investigation into allegations of retaliation.^[60]

Semanas después de que la NWSL impusiera suspensiones a entrenadores el 9 de enero de 2023, el antiguo club juvenil afiliado de las Red Stars, Chicago Empire FC, recontrató al entrenador suspendido Craig Harrington como contratista independiente para un puesto que figuraba en su sitio web como director de entrenamiento. Harrington también había sido suspendido de la participación en el fútbol juvenil en Illinois por la Asociación de Fútbol Juvenil de Illinois (IYSA) por el mismo período que la suspensión de la NWSL. La IYSA investigó el empleo de Harrington al enterarse de la suspensión y, tras confirmarlo, le comunicó el 25 de abril su descalificación a él, al Empire FC, a la IWSL, a la Asociación de Fútbol Juvenil de los Estados Unidos y a la Federación de Fútbol de los Estados Unidos (US Soccer). ^{[ 61 ] [ 62 ]}

En un comunicado, Empire FC afirmó que Harrington había pasado las verificaciones de SafeSport y no figuraba en la lista de gestión de riesgos de US Soccer, aunque US Soccer refutó esta última afirmación. ^{[ 62 ]}

Horas después de que un informe publicado el 5 de mayo de 2023 en The Athletic hiciera público el empleo de Harrington en Empire FC, los Red Stars despidieron a su gerente general Michelle Lomnicki , quien había sido entrenadora de dos equipos femeninos en Empire FC antes de ser nombrada gerente general de los Red Stars en enero de 2023, y cuyo esposo es el director deportivo de Empire FC. ^{[ 61 ]} Los Red Stars publicaron un comunicado alegando que Lomnicki fue despedida por un "error de juicio al no compartir información importante con la directiva del club". ^{[ 63 ]}

Antes de convertirse en el entrenador principal de las Chicago Red Stars de la NWSL, Rory Dames entrenó en la escuela secundaria St. Viator y en un club de fútbol juvenil llamado "The Eclipse Select Soccer Club". ^{[ 64 ]} Dames fue contratado para entrenar a las Chicago Red Stars basándose en su reputación en su anterior club juvenil, ya que el equipo nunca realizó una verificación de antecedentes.

En 1998, una exjugadora de la escuela secundaria St. Viator informó que Dames, su entrenador en ese momento, supuestamente la tocó de manera inapropiada en la parte superior del muslo. Esto ocurrió cuando la jugadora era menor de edad y Dames tenía 25 años. ^{[ 65 ]} Se informó que Dames pasaba tiempo regularmente con sus jóvenes jugadores fuera del fútbol a solas, y que también hacía bromas degradantes y sexuales. ^{[ 65 ]} Se dijo que sexualizaba regularmente el ambiente del equipo al hacer comentarios sobre juegos previos, sexo oral o sus "vidas sexuales" a sus jóvenes jugadores. ^{[ 66 ]} Dames fue acusado de conducta sexual inapropiada por varios jóvenes jugadores de su escuela de fútbol a lo largo de la década de 1990 y principios de la de 2000. Una de las acusaciones fue que Dames comenzó a "prepararla" cuando tenía 14 años, ya que esperó hasta que cumpliera 18 años para iniciar una relación sexual. ^{[ 67 ]} Le dijo a Hensley-Clancy, reportera de The Washington Post, que "la forma en que se desarrolló la relación la hizo sentir que no había salida". Megan Cnota, exjugadora del club de Dames, fue entrevistada sobre el comportamiento de Dames. Afirmó que ella y otras personas intentaron llamar la atención del público sobre el asunto, pero nadie les creyó. ^{[ 67 ]}

Durante la etapa de Dames como entrenador de las Estrellas Rojas de Chicago, los jugadores presentaron numerosas quejas contra él. Una de las estrellas de la selección nacional se quejó de que «no mantiene una distancia prudencial con sus jugadores». ^{[ 68 ]} «Utiliza su poder y estatus como entrenador para manipular a los jugadores y acercarse a ellos». En 2014, jugadores de la selección nacional denunciaron a dos entrenadores, uno de ellos Dames. Finalmente, se supo públicamente que estaban intentando cerrar la liga. En total, 14 exjugadores de Dames han denunciado abusos sexuales, verbales o emocionales hacia ellos. ^{[ 64 ]}

El 21 de noviembre de 2021, Dames decidió renunciar a su puesto como entrenador principal de los Red Stars. ^{[ 66 ]}

Erin Simon was a former American Women's soccer player on Gotham FC and Racing Louisville FC. On August 31, 2021, Christy Holly, former Gotham FC and Racing Louisville FC coach, was officially reported for sexual misconduct to the Yates Investigation Team.^[69]The Yates Report is the official investigation led by Sally Q. Yates, covering emotional abuse and sexual misconduct in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). This document, released on October 2, 2022, includes information about Holly's conduct towards Simon, as well as other cases of mistreatment of players in the NWSL. The Covington and Weil Report came out on December 14, 2022, and includes additional information about sexual and emotional damage in the NWSL.

After serving as a volunteer coach, Holly became head coach of Gotham FC (formerly known as Sky Blue FC) in 2016. He did not obtain a coaching license.^[70] The first interaction between Simon and Holly, reported by the Covington Report and Weil Report, was when Holly offered Simon a position on Gotham FC after Simon graduated from college.^[71] However, neither remained part of the team for long. Media sources and the Yates Investigation Team reported that Holly was fired in 2017 because of his sexual relationship with former Gotham FC defender, Christie Pearce,^[72] as well as his increase in verbal abuse towards players.^[70] After Holly left because of these accusations, he took a position as the head coach for Racing Louisville FC, despite Holly lacking the license that the United States Soccer Federation required for an NWSL head coach.^[69]

The second interaction between Holly and Simon was when Holly helped Simon advance her career a year later. Simon left Gotham FC and signed with an English club, West Ham United Women FC. Simon said Holly's connections helped Simon with this achievement.^[72] However, media sources report that Holly's gestures changed from appropriate to inappropriate in the summer of 2018. When Holly started training Simon during her offseason, he began to send her inappropriate text messages, including nude photographs and videos.^[69] Actions progressed, as Holly allegedly grabbed Simon's breasts while she was making smoothies in his house. Pearce was allegedly present during this incident, but she did not see it.^[69] Media sources also report that during the United States Women's National Team Under 23 camp, Holly invited Simon to his hotel room. However, it was reported that Simon declined the offer.^[69]

In August 2020, Holly was offered a position to be the head coach of Racing Louisville FC.^[71] In November 2020, Simon was drafted to play for Racing Louisville.^[71] Media sources say that Simon reached out to Holly, saying that since she began to play for him, he had to stop his inappropriate behavior and messaging.^[69]

Media sources state that Holly's sexual assault towards Simon, however, did not end when he became head coach. When watching game film with Simon, Holly would allegedly show her pornography while touching himself and Simon sexually. It was reported that Simon tried to ask Holly to watch the game film in more open places, but he would refuse and, once again, touch Simon forcefully.^[69] Additionally, the Yates Investigation Team reported that Holly would touch Simon inappropriately for every unsuccessful pass she made.^[70] Allegedly, Holly would also text Simon, expressing interest in visiting her apartment and describing what he would do to her.^[71] Media sources report that when Holly would send Simon explicit photographs, he also requested that she send photographs of herself in return.^[73]

Holly has not been charged with a crime for allegedly sexually assaulting Simon.^[74] In January 2023, NWSL permanently banned Holly and fined Racing Louisville FC $200,000. Racing Louisville FC gave Holly a severance of $14,000 and asked him to leave his apartment because he lived near Simon.^[74] Racing Louisville FC signed a non-disclosure and non-disparagement with Holly, which meant that neither Holly nor the club could make public statements about the situation. If either side did, they would have to pay the other $5,000.^[75] The Yates Investigation team did not get any documents or hear from any witnesses from Racing Louisville FC regarding the situation because of the agreement.^[70] On October 5, 2022, the president of Racing Louisville FC, James O’Connor, said that the club "will cooperate with the ongoing NWSL/NWSLPA joint investigation."^[76] Media sources say that players on Racing Louisville FC do not believe a non-disclosure agreement was necessary because the club could have publicly stated that Holly was accused of sexual harassment, without saying Simon's name.^[76] Simon agreed to the Yates Investigation Team using her name in the report and said, "This report allows our voices to finally be heard and is the first step toward achieving the respectful workplace we all deserve."^[73] After leaving Racing Louisville FC, Simon went on to play for English club Leicester City Women FC.^[72] On July 7, 2023, Simon announced her retirement.^[77]

Paul Riley, a former football player from England, became a prominent coach for his success in the Women's Professional Soccer (WPS), now known as the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Throughout Riley's coaching career, he faced many controversies, particularly cases of sexual assault and harassment. Accusations surfaced of Riley engaging in sexual coercion with his players which were published in an article from The Athletic published in September 2021. After disclosing these accusations, Riley was dismissed from his managerial position with the North Carolina Courage.

In 2011, midfielder Sinead Farrelly was drafted into the NWSL by the Philadelphia Independence, at the time coached by Paul Riley. Initially seen as having great potential, according to reports from The Athletic, Farrelly received special attention from Riley during her rookie season. This attention led to the lines between player and coach being blurred, as Riley allegedly started asking her more personal questions, buying her drinks, and giving numerous compliments. After a loss in the 2011 WPS championship, Farrelly alleges that Riley pressured her into a sexual encounter in his hotel room.

In December 2013, Paul Riley was hired as the new coach of the Portland Thorns. Shortly after his hiring in January 2014, the Portland Thorns traded for Sinead Farrelly. During her first season with the Thorns, Farrelly began dating one of her teammates. Upon learning this, Riley allegedly made derogatory comments towards Farrelly, stating that she was "too hot to be a lesbian"^[78]

On January 10, 2014 Houston Dash drafted Thorns midfielder Meleana Shim. Shim tells Riley she wants to stay in Portland. On the 17th, Thorns traded college draft picks to keep Shim. Riley stated "Since Houston drafted her, our priority had been to get her back."^[79]

In July 2014, towards the end of a match against the Chicago Red Stars, Farrelly collapsed on the field. After a brain scan, Farrelly was told the reason for her collapsing was migraines, but later Riley stated, "I realize now I was not okay. I couldn’t function under him (Riley)."^[78] Farrelly would remain sidelined for the remainder of the 2014 season.^[80]

In May 2015, following a home match, Riley personally invited Farrelly and a teammate to his apartment. At his apartment, Riley reportedly made sexual comments toward both Farrelly and her teammate, then requested that they kiss each other. He promised to spare the team fitness drills later in the week if they complied.^[78]

During the NWSL preseason in 2015, Thorns manager Gavin Wilkinson told midfielder Mana Shim to be a closeted player (In reference to her coming out in August 2013). Shim says during the 2014 season, head coach Paul Riley "made her feel small," verbally berated her and [...] other players, commented on her weight, and [used both][...] praise and criticism to make players compete for his favor.^[81]

El 9 de mayo de 2015, después de un partido en Portland, las jugadoras y entrenadores de Thorns fueron a un bar. Riley le dijo al camarero que "les diera a las chicas lo que quisieran" con su tarjeta. El entrenador asistente se fue, Riley les dio más bebidas a las jugadoras. Shim le dijo a E60 que Riley le pidió bailar con ella y se acercó por detrás tratando de restregarse contra ella. Al regresar del baño, Riley supuestamente les preguntó a Shim y Farelly si alguna vez se acostaban. Les pidió que se besaran y agregó un incentivo: el equipo no tendría que hacer "la milla suicida" en el próximo entrenamiento. ^{[ 81 ] [ 78 ]} Shim necesitaba usar el baño mientras caminaba de regreso. Riley le ofreció su apartamento.

En junio de 2015, mientras viajaba a un partido en Houston el 5 de junio, Riley le pide a Shim que vea la grabación del partido en su habitación de hotel. ^{[ 78 ] [ 81 ]} Shim le dice a Farrelly que Riley sigue haciéndola sentir incómoda desde el incidente del bar en mayo: le envía más mensajes de texto y la ha invitado a cenar a solas. Le muestra a Farrelly una foto que le envió Riley —cuando la invitó a su habitación de hotel— en la que solo aparece con pantalones cortos de compresión. Farrelly dice que Riley le envió fotos similares cuando la entrenaba en su antiguo club. Shim va a la habitación de Riley para revisar la grabación. Le abre la puerta y lo encuentra solo con calzoncillos blancos, según le contó a E60. Supuestamente, él "le dice a Shim que se suba a su cama para ver la grabación" cuando no había ninguna grabación lista. Shim se excusa y se va. ^{[ 79 ]}

Ese mismo año, el 5 de julio, Shim le cuenta a su compañera de equipo Alex Morgan sobre Riley. Morgan intenta ayudar a Shim a presentar una queja anónima. En ese momento no existía un procedimiento para hacerlo. ^{[ 78 ] [ 81 ]} Shim le envía un correo electrónico a Riley expresando que se sentía incómoda y que desea una relación profesional. Escribe: «Ambos sabemos que tus interacciones conmigo han sido inapropiadas y me han afectado negativamente en el campo». Los investigadores de Yates dicen que Riley borró el correo electrónico (y vació su carpeta de correo no deseado). ^{[ 79 ]} El tiempo de juego de Shim con las Thorns se redujo.

El 16 de septiembre, Shim presentó una queja formal ante las Thorns por el comportamiento de Riley (que incluye más acusaciones que las de mayo y junio). Shim envió un correo electrónico a Wilkinson, al propietario del club, Paulson, a Riley y a la directora de recursos humanos de las Thorns, Nancy Garcia Ford, sobre los incidentes con Riley y lo reenvió a Jeff Plush , comisionado de la NWSL. Plush declaró que la liga investigaría el caso.

Después de recibir el correo electrónico, Plush se lo reenvía a Levine con el comentario: "Ver abajo. No está bien". La investigación comienza el 17; hasta el 22, el director de RRHH de Thorns entrevista por separado a Shim y Farrelly. El 18, se le informa a Levine que hay correos electrónicos y mensajes de texto: un mensaje dice: "Estoy tan cachondo que quiero follarte". ^{[ 78 ] [ 81 ]} También se le informa que Riley pidió a dos jugadores que se besaran delante de él. Ford entrevista a Shim y Farrelly. Después del incidente, Ford genera un informe sobre la queja de Shim. El abogado de Thorns le envía una copia por correo electrónico a Levine y expresa que no usa la palabra "sexual" ni "acoso", no revela "acoso ilegal" (aunque el informe en sí no considera la legalidad de las acciones de Riley), no incluye muchas acusaciones y describe a Shim como acusando a Riley de "comportamiento inapropiado". Sin embargo, el informe de las Thorns incluye supuestos detalles como que Shim y Farrelly se besaron delante de Riley. Las Thorns despiden a Riley a raíz de la investigación. Anuncian públicamente que Riley ya no será entrenadora, pero se abstienen de explicar el motivo.

En octubre de ese mismo año, Farrelly fue traspasada de las Portland Thorns a las Boston Breakers . Tras el traspaso, el 3 de octubre, Farrelly envió un correo electrónico a Wilkinson expresando su decepción por la forma en que las Thorns manejaron las acusaciones. En su correo electrónico mencionaba cómo los sucesos con Riley "han cambiado drásticamente [su] vida y su carrera..." ^{[ 78 ]}

En enero de 2016, el equipo de la NWSL, The Western New York Flash , consideró a Riley como nuevo entrenador. Durante una consulta con el vicepresidente del Flash, Aaran Lines , Wilkinson le dijo que debían contratar a Riley. Wilkinson afirmó que lo contrataría sin dudarlo. Mencionó las acusaciones de Shim, pero indicó que se trataba de una jugadora descontenta que puso a Riley en una situación comprometida, según el informe Yates .

En marzo de 2021, Riley seguía entrenando en la NWSL. Shim envió su queja de 2015 el 15 de marzo a Baird , sucesor de Plush como comisionado de la NWSL, y solicitó una nueva investigación, así como información sobre los próximos pasos que la NWSL podría tomar para brindar protección a las jugadoras. Baird respondió el 16 de marzo, pero ignoró la solicitud de reinvestigar. Shim insistió en su solicitud el día 17. Baird no respondió. ^{[ 78 ] [ 81 ]}

En abril, Shim le envía un correo electrónico a Baird y se ofrece para una entrevista. Baird le responde a Shim diciendo que su queja fue "investigada hasta su conclusión" y que no puede compartir más detalles. ^{[ 81 ]}

On May 3, through its newly implemented reporting process, the NWSL received an anonymous report about Riley's behavior. Baird replies to Farrelly on the 5th (just as she did Shim) saying the initial complaint was investigated to conclusion and cannot share details.^[78][81]

In September 2021, Shim and Farelly share their experiences with Riley in an article published by The Athletic. Riley denies the allegations of predatory sexual harassment, coercion, etc. The Courage fire Riley. Baird says she is "shocked and disgusted to read the new allegations [...] in The Athletic." In response, Alex Morgan shares screenshots of Baird and Farrelly's emails. In August 2022, the Oregonian's report states the 2015 Thorns investigation "wasn't in line with modern standards of sexual misconduct allegations." It clears Wilkinson of wrongdoings from 2014 and describes the comment on Shim's sexuality as a "misunderstanding."^[78][81]

Shim responds in September and states there was no misunderstanding and it was very clear Wilkinson told her to stop being open with her sexuality.

On October 3, the yearlong investigation by Sally Yates is released. the Yates Report concluded that the Thorns refused to share their 2015 investigation into Riley, interfered with witness accounts, and that Paulson failed to act on warnings about Riley.^[79] According to the Yates Report, players alleged that Paulson and Wilkinson made sexist, demeaning, and inappropriate comments to Thorns players and female staff.

• National Women's Soccer League
• USA Gymnastics sex abuse scandal