We remain grateful to the many brave individuals who came forward to share their experiences, which has informed our approach to systemic reform. The NWSL is proud of the work we have done, in partnership with the NWSL Players Association, to set the standard for professional sports leagues,” NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman said.
“We have worked collaboratively with the NWSLPA and the attorneys general to add greater strength to the programmatic changes we adopted in 2023 in light of the joint investigative reports, and we look forward to supporting the administrator in distributing the Players’ Restitution Fund.”
The attorneys general opened their investigation in 2022, which found that coaches verbally and sexually assaulted players. Some NWSL teams failed to enact proper background investigations into coaches, allowing repeat offenders to be hired again by other teams.
The independent investigation was triggered by the NWSL after The Athletic released a report on the alleged sexual harassment allegations against former North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley that went back a decade.
In 2023, Holly was permanently banned from coaching in the NWSL. Other ex-coaches to receive lifetime bans include Riley, Rory Dames (Chicago Red Stars) and Richie Burke (Washington Spirit).
Racing Louisville’s timeline
- Aug. 31, 2021: Racing Louisville fires Christy Holly “for cause”
- Oct. 2, 2021: U.S. Soccer Federation commissions Yates Report
- Jan. 3, 2022: Brad Estes steps down as Soccer Holdings LLC’s president
- Oct. 3, 2022: U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates, on behalf of the U.S. Soccer Federation, released the findings from her independent investigation into the allegations of abuse and sexual assault in the NWSL.
- Dec. 14, 2022: Report from NWSL and players association on Racing’s separation agreement with Holly
- Jan. 9, 2023: NWSL permanently bans Holly, fines Racing $200,000
What are terms of NWSL settlement?
Judge Barbara S. Jones will administer the $5 million from the fund. Jones has 45 days to devise a plan for its distribution, which the attorneys general must approve. The players must be notified at least 15 days before the fund opens, and once it’s opened, they have six months to apply.
For the next three years, the NWSL shall send the attorneys general a report detailing the implementation of all the assurances listed in the settlement every six months.
They shall also send any reports of misconduct regarding player or staff safety and the investigation status.
If the NWSL defaults on any terms of the agreement, it will be subject to $2 million in penalties.
- The NWSL and each team are required to have a player safety officer to report any misconduct.
- More extensive background checks for head coaches, assistant coaches, general managers, head athletic trainers and player safety officers.
- Each team is required to have human resources staff.
- Coaches can’t control player trades, housing, medical decisions or other aspects of a player’s life off the field, including housing and medical decisions.
- All existing players are allowed to exit interviews with the NWSL and have the opportunity to provide anonymous feedback.
- Anonymous player surveys on coach conduct and team culture must be submitted to the attorneys general.
- Mandatory training for players and staff on bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct, racism and retaliation.
- Each team must hire at least one “mental performance consultant” and mental health professional.
- Players and staff shall be provided with multiple methods to report misconduct, one of which must be a confidential reporting system.
Leave a Reply