35: NWSL Abuse Scandal

The recent revelations of abuse within the National Women’s Soccer League have sparked a crucial conversation about player safety and well-being. Throughout the 2021 NWSL season, allegations of abuse surfaced in multiple teams across the league. The stories of Mana Shim and Sinead Farrelly shed light on the challenges faced by women in the NWSL. Their bravery in speaking out against inappropriate behavior by coaches highlights the importance of creating a safe and respectful environment for all players. As a result, five out of the 10 teams then in the league had head coaches resign or be fired, with league commissioner Lisa Baird also resigning due to the scandal.

Thank you to our sources!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_NWSL_abuse_scandal 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Women%27s_Soccer_League#:~:text=The%20NWSL%20was%20established%20in,Association%20(2001%E2%80%932003).

https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37632579/nwsl-abuse-sally-yates-report-thorns-spirit-line?platform=amp

https://www.npr.org/2022/10/03/1126587851/womens-soccer-abuse-nwsl-report

https://theathletic.com/3653283/2022/10/03/nwsl-investigations-faq/

https://theathletic.com/2857633/2021/09/30/this-guy-has-a-pattern-amid-institutional-failure-former-nwsl-players-accuse-prominent-coach-of-sexual-coercion/