By Amy Tennery

(Reuters) – The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) said the North Carolina Courage have terminated coach Paul Riley after a report that detailed allegations of abusive behavior.

The Athletic on Thursday https://theathletic.com/2857633/2021/09/30/this-guy-has-a-pattern-amid-institutional-failure-former-nwsl-players-accuse-prominent-coach-of-sexual-coercion outlined allegations of sexual coercion and misconduct by Riley, who led the Courage to back-to-back NWSL championships in 2018 and 2019, after speaking to more than a dozen players he coached since 2010.

In a statement, Lisa Baird, NWSL commissioner said that she was “disappointed and shocked” by the allegations. In a statement, Lisa Baird, NWSL Commissioner, stated that the league, along with North Carolina Courage, reacted fast to the new allegations and Paul Riley, former head coach, was terminated.

According to the report, Riley was also hired by the now defunct Western New York Flash. This was despite an incident in which Riley’s behavior was reported to the league. In 2017, The Courage, which was created after the Flash acquired its franchise rights, was formed.

After receiving the complaint, The Thorns claimed that they conducted “a thorough investigation”.

While the results did not reveal any unlawful activity they found clear violations of company policies. The team stated that Riley was the reason they cut all ties.

The findings were shared fully with the NWSL league offices.

Riley was denied the majority of allegations in the report by the Athletic.

The Courage supported the players who came forward, and they commend them for sharing their stories,” said the Courage in a statement. It confirmed Riley’s dismissal.

Baird claimed that the league submitted the Athletic Report to the US Center for SafeSport. She also said they were implementing an “anonymous report process” for all players, league staffers and teams.

As we strive to keep the league safe and positive, all league employees and players are encouraged to bring up their concerns.

These allegations have shaken the professional soccer world in North America. The National Women’s Soccer Liga Players’ Association (NWSLPA), which demanded sweeping changes to the NWSL, accused it of not having “basic and essential protections that guarantee dignity at work” and requesting that the NWSL be reformed.

According to the NWSLPA, words can’t adequately express our frustration, pain, sadness and despair. To the players who have suffered in silence, the NWSLPA offers support and a place to rest.

Two U.S. World Cup winner Alex Morgan from the Orlando Pride, and Megan Rapinoe of OL Reign were two examples of prominent players that voiced outrage and demanded change.

“To everyone in a position of power who let this happen, heard it & dismissed it, signed off on this monster moving to another team w/zero repercussions, FUCK YOU,” Rapinoe said on Twitter (NYSE:). “You’re all monsters,& can ALL hand your resignations in immediately.”