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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On Oct. 6, the NWSL season resumed, setting the stage for protests. As the first three games kicked off that evening, the NWSL Players Association announced eight demands, including the opportunity to conduct its own investigation into abusive conduct in the league, a more rigorous investigation from the NWSL itself, and a seat at the table during the hiring process for the next commissioner, among other things.
The Thorns players also shared demands, which included that general manager Wilkinson be placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. Wilkinson had been with the Thorns in 2015 when Riley was accused of misconduct, and The Athletic reported that he also attempted to silence Shim in 2013 after she came out as gay. Shortly after the Thorns released their demands, the club announced that Wilkinson would be put on leave. However, he was allowed to continue his work with the men's team, the Portland Timbers.
At each of the NWSL games that night — and in the days to come — players from both teams met at centrefield, locking arms in a display of solidarity. The NWSL Players Association explained the protest on Twitter, writing that the players would stop play in the sixth minute in recognition of the six years it took for Shim, Farrelly, and others to be heard. They used the hashtag #NoMoreSilence. Fans around the league also staged protests — often refusing to buy concessions or anything else while in the stadiums — and support began pouring in from college teams and professional clubs around the world.