A former worker charges Jill Ellis and San Diego Wave of having narcissistic leadership.
July 9: San Diego Wave FC, a NWLS team that is currently in just its third season of competition, has refuted claims made against it and club president Jill Ellis (pictured) that they foster a toxic work environment.
The US women’s game is just now beginning to recover from a string of scandals including sexual harassment and gender inequity, which compelled a reconsideration of who is in charge of managing and coaching the sport.
The charges are a crushing blow to a team that has led the charge in forging new paths.
In response to the charges brought out by a former staff member and other videographer, the club released the following statement: “San Diego Wave FC has been made aware of a recent social media post by a former employee that contains inaccurate and defamatory statements about the club.” The piece is not only made up of a fake email, but it also makes blatantly incorrect accusations, some of which are even aimed at our President Jill Ellis.
“San Diego Wave FC is presently evaluating this circumstance and plans to take advantage of all legal options to suitably handle this issue,” the team continued.
Brittany Alvarado, a former videographer who quit last month, made the allegations.
She stated on social media that “the organization frequently perpetuated discrimination against women and demonstrated complete disregard for their long-term mental health, despite its public proclamations.”
She said, “Since the team’s founding, over 30 employees have been let go or resigned, with 75% of them being women, highlighting the serious problems within the club.”
She added that numerous staff members’ actions “have been nothing short of life-altering and devastating to our mental health,” explicitly blaming Ellis. In order to further her narcissistic personal agenda, she has jeopardized innumerable lives and created an atmosphere that encourages abusive behavior among her subordinates.
“What we do is all about fostering a culture of respect, inclusivity, and excellence,” Ellis retorted in a statement. In addition to being personally hurtful, the unfounded charges in [last Wednesday’s] post detract from the amazing work and advancement our team has accomplished as a whole.
The back office staff’s complaints about the culture don’t seem to align with the playing department’s.
With over 200 caps for her nation, Alex Morgan was a former co-captain of the U.S. Women’s National Team and expressed her disappointment at the claims made by several former Wave FC staff today. As players, we have put a lot of effort into creating a welcoming, upbeat, and secure environment on the team.
However, I think it’s critical that we establish that atmosphere for employees and players alike across the board. I have been a champion for workplace equity and I will remain so.
In a statement, the National Women’s Soccer League stated that everyone connected to the league is of the utmost importance in terms of safety, health, and wellbeing. We treat all reports of possible misbehavior seriously, use independent, skilled investigators to properly investigate the complaints, and take appropriate action where the evidence we find lend credence to the allegations. Every time a report has been verified, we have required corrective action, which includes removing those who don’t adhere to our standards and principles.
Alvardo demanded that Jill Ellis be fired.
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