The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) permanently suspended four coaches on Monday as part of disciplinary measures taken against various individuals and teams in response to an investigation into alleged abuse and misconduct in the league.
Former North Carolina coach Paul Riley, former Chicago Red Stars coach Rory Dames, former Washington Spirit coach Richie Burke and former Racing Louisville coach Christy Holly were banned from coaching in the league. Additionally, former Utah Royals coach Craig Harrington and former Gotham general manager Alyse LaHue have been suspended from working in the NWSL for two years, until January 9, 2025.
The NWSL and its players’ association announced the results of their investigation late last month, which found “pervasive misconduct” targeting players since the league’s inception nearly a decade ago.
The investigation stemmed from allegations of sexual harassment and coercion made by two former players against Riley, who was among five NWSL coaches who were fired or resigned amid allegations of misconduct in 2021. US Soccer also investigated allegations of misconduct. conduct in the league.
“The league will continue to prioritize the implementation and improvement of policies, programs and systems that put the health and safety of our players first,” NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman said in a statement. “Those actions are critical to the future of our league, especially as we build a league that strengthens our players’ ability to succeed and thrive on and off the field.”
Other individuals will be allowed to return to their NWSL positions with certain conditions, including acknowledgment of misconduct, participation in training, and commitment to appropriate behavior. They included former Reign coach Farid Benstiti, former Houston Dash coaches Vera Pauw and James Clarkson, former Orlando Pride coach Amanda Cromwell, and assistants Sam Greene and Aline Reis.
Several teams were also fined: The Chicago Red Stars are fined $1.5 million, the Portland Thorns are fined $1 million, the Racing Louisville are fined $200,000 and the North Carolina Courage are fined $100,000. The Reign and Gotham were fined $50,000 each.
“Today a new NWSL begins. No penalty will be enough to undo the damage that too many players suffered,” said union president Tori Huster. “By taking back our power, the players have achieved a complete and total overhaul of the NWSL ecosystem, from the league office to club property and staff, with new policies and systems to protect player safety.”