The NWSL Abuse Allegations and Protests, Explained
A Timeline of the Abuse Allegations, Protests, and Negotiations That Have Rocked the NWSL
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SYSTEMIC ABUSE PLAGUING THE NWSL MUST NOT BE IGNORED pic.twitter.com/WlhcWW7R8m
— NWSLPA (@nwsl_players) September 30, 2021
On Sept. 30, after the publication of The Athletic's investigation, the NWSL Players Association tweeted its support for the players who had shared their stories, including Farrelly, Shim, and Kaiya McCullogh, whose own public allegations of abuse had recently resulted in head coach Richie Burke being fired by the Washington Spirit. (This came several weeks after he was allowed to step down citing "health concerns.") The organisation listed three demands, including an independent investigation into the allegations outlined in The Athletic's story, the immediate suspension of anyone accused of misconduct, and an explanation as to how Riley was rehired after being let go by the Thorns.