What are the accusations against former North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley. How did the allegations come to light. What actions were taken by soccer organizations in response to the scandal. How has this impacted women’s soccer and player safety.
The Explosive Allegations Against Paul Riley
In September 2021, the soccer world was rocked by serious allegations against Paul Riley, then-coach of the North Carolina Courage in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Former players came forward with accusations of sexual coercion spanning multiple teams and leagues since 2010.
Sinead Farrelly, a midfielder who played under Riley on three different teams, detailed a pattern of inappropriate behavior that escalated to sexual coercion. She described how Riley cultivated a social atmosphere where he would drink with players, often sitting next to her at team outings to bars. This led to Farrelly sharing personal information with Riley, creating a dynamic he allegedly exploited.
The allegations include an incident after the 2011 WPS final where Farrelly claims she had to sit on Riley’s lap in a crowded team van, during which he grabbed her hips in a way that made her feel “claimed.” This encounter allegedly culminated in Riley coercing Farrelly into having sex with him in his hotel room.
Ongoing Pattern of Misconduct
According to Farrelly, Riley’s sexually coercive behavior continued during the offseason and when she played for his semi-pro team in Long Island in 2012. The impact on Farrelly was severe, affecting her mentally and emotionally to the point where she collapsed during a game in July 2014 due to the toll it took on her.
Another player, Meleana “Mana” Shim, reported similar experiences with Riley during his time as coach of the Portland Thorns. Shim described how Riley’s “social culture” on the team led to inappropriate situations, including an incident where Riley allegedly pressured Shim and Farrelly to kiss each other to avoid a team punishment.
The Power Dynamics in Women’s Soccer
The allegations against Paul Riley highlight the problematic power dynamics that can exist in women’s soccer. Coaches hold significant authority over players’ careers, creating an environment where it can be difficult for players to speak out against misconduct.
An anonymous player who played under Riley in Portland stated, “He really commands the kind of social culture he wants on the team. He has the authority. People don’t really push him on it, everyone accepts that just how he is. You’re trying to survive in his hierarchy.”
This power imbalance can make it challenging for players to resist or report inappropriate behavior, fearing potential repercussions for their careers. The soccer community is now grappling with how to address these systemic issues and create safer environments for players.
The Importance of Reporting Mechanisms
The Riley case underscores the critical need for robust reporting mechanisms within soccer organizations. When Shim, with the help of teammate Alex Morgan, emailed a complaint to Thorns owner Merritt Paulson and HR director Nancy Garcia Ford in 2015, the response was inadequate.
Shim reported that Garcia Ford told her she didn’t have a legal claim due to a lack of corroborating evidence. This response highlights the challenges players face when reporting misconduct and the importance of creating systems that take all allegations seriously, even when physical evidence may be lacking.
The Aftermath: Investigations and Consequences
Following the 2015 complaint, the Portland Thorns announced that Riley would not be retained for a third season. While this was publicly framed as a decision based on poor team performance, Thorns owner Merritt Paulson later acknowledged that the findings of the investigation factored into the decision.
However, the lack of transparency surrounding Riley’s departure allowed him to continue coaching in women’s soccer. It wasn’t until The Athletic published its investigative report in September 2021 that the full extent of the allegations came to light, leading to Riley’s immediate firing from the North Carolina Courage.
NWSL’s Response and Policy Changes
In the wake of these revelations, the NWSL faced scrutiny over its handling of abuse allegations. The league had adopted a new anti-harassment policy earlier in 2021, but when Farrelly and Shim contacted the league to request a new investigation into Riley’s behavior, they were told that the 2015 complaint was “investigated to conclusion” and no further details could be shared.
This response raised questions about the effectiveness of the league’s policies and its commitment to player safety. The scandal prompted calls for sweeping changes in how the NWSL and other soccer organizations handle allegations of misconduct.
Paul Riley’s Denial of Allegations
In response to the allegations, Paul Riley issued a statement denying most of the claims against him. He asserted that the majority of the allegations were “completely untrue” and specifically denied having sex with or making sexual advances towards the players in question.
Riley admitted to occasionally socializing with players and picking up bar tabs but denied taking them out drinking. He also conceded that over the course of his career, there’s a chance he may have said something that offended someone, but he denied belittling players, commenting on their weight, or discussing their personal relationships.
These denials stand in stark contrast to the detailed accounts provided by multiple players, highlighting the complexities involved in investigating and addressing such allegations in professional sports.
The Broader Impact on Women’s Soccer
The Paul Riley scandal has had far-reaching implications for women’s soccer, extending beyond the individuals directly involved. It has sparked a broader conversation about the culture within the sport and the measures needed to protect players from abuse and exploitation.
One of the most significant outcomes has been increased scrutiny of coaching practices and team cultures across women’s soccer. Organizations are being called upon to implement more stringent vetting processes for coaches and staff, as well as to create more robust support systems for players who may experience or witness misconduct.
Player Empowerment and Advocacy
In the wake of the scandal, many players have become more vocal advocates for change within the sport. The courage of Sinead Farrelly, Mana Shim, and others in coming forward with their experiences has inspired other athletes to speak out against abuse and demand better protections.
This player-led movement has put pressure on leagues, teams, and governing bodies to take concrete actions to improve player safety and well-being. It has also highlighted the importance of player unions and other support structures in advocating for athletes’ rights and interests.
Institutional Responses and Policy Changes
In response to the Paul Riley scandal and other incidents of abuse in women’s soccer, various institutions have taken steps to address these issues more effectively. The U.S. Soccer Federation, for instance, commissioned an independent investigation into allegations of abuse in the NWSL.
This investigation, led by former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates, resulted in a comprehensive report released in October 2022. The report’s findings and recommendations have served as a catalyst for further reforms within U.S. soccer.
Key Policy Changes
- Enhanced background checks for coaches and staff
- Mandatory abuse prevention training for all personnel
- Improved reporting mechanisms for players to raise concerns
- Greater transparency in handling investigations and disciplinary actions
- Increased resources for player support and mental health services
These policy changes represent significant steps towards creating a safer environment for players. However, many advocates argue that continued vigilance and ongoing improvements are necessary to truly transform the culture of women’s soccer.
The Role of Media and Public Awareness
The investigative reporting by The Athletic played a crucial role in bringing the allegations against Paul Riley to light. This highlights the important role that media can play in exposing misconduct and holding powerful figures accountable.
The public response to the revelations has also been significant, with fans, sponsors, and other stakeholders demanding accountability and change. This public pressure has been instrumental in pushing for reforms within the sport.
Changing Perceptions and Expectations
The Riley scandal has contributed to a shift in how the public perceives women’s soccer and the challenges faced by female athletes. There is growing recognition of the need to support and protect players, not just as athletes but as individuals deserving of respect and safety in their workplace.
This changing perception is leading to higher expectations for how soccer organizations operate and treat their players. Fans and sponsors are increasingly vocal about their expectations for ethical behavior and player welfare, creating additional incentives for organizations to prioritize these issues.
Long-Term Implications for Women’s Soccer
The Paul Riley scandal and its aftermath are likely to have long-lasting effects on women’s soccer. While the immediate focus has been on addressing specific instances of misconduct, the broader implications for the sport are significant.
One potential long-term impact is a change in how coaching relationships are structured and monitored in women’s soccer. There may be a move towards more oversight and transparency in coach-player interactions, as well as clearer boundaries around social interactions outside of training and matches.
Potential Changes in Team Culture
- More formalized mentoring programs for young players
- Increased emphasis on player leadership and autonomy within teams
- Greater involvement of players in decision-making processes
- Regular assessment of team culture and player well-being
- Enhanced support systems for players transitioning between teams or retiring from the sport
These changes could lead to a more empowering environment for players, where they feel more in control of their careers and better equipped to advocate for themselves and their teammates.
Impact on Player Development and Recruitment
The revelations about abuse in women’s soccer could potentially impact how young players and their families approach the sport. There may be increased scrutiny of youth development programs and greater emphasis on creating safe, supportive environments for young athletes.
On the positive side, the strengthened policies and increased awareness resulting from this scandal could make women’s soccer a more attractive option for talented athletes. As the sport demonstrates its commitment to player welfare, it may draw in more players who might have been hesitant due to concerns about safety and professional treatment.
Lessons for Other Sports and Industries
The Paul Riley scandal and its aftermath offer valuable lessons that extend beyond women’s soccer. Other sports and industries can learn from how this situation unfolded and the steps taken in response.
One key lesson is the importance of creating cultures where individuals feel safe reporting misconduct. The initial handling of complaints against Riley demonstrates how inadequate reporting mechanisms and lack of transparency can allow abusive behavior to continue unchecked.
Transferable Insights
- The need for clear, accessible reporting processes for misconduct
- The importance of thorough, impartial investigations into all allegations
- The value of transparency in addressing and resolving issues
- The critical role of leadership in setting the tone for organizational culture
- The power of collective action and solidarity among affected individuals
By learning from the experiences in women’s soccer, other organizations can proactively work to create safer, more equitable environments for all individuals involved.
Former players accuse North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley of sexual coercion
Editor’s note: On October 3, 2022, the U.S. Soccer Federation released the full findings and recommendations of an independent investigation into allegations of abuse in the National Women’s Soccer League. The Athletic has reported extensively on the subject over the last year, including the following story from September 2021.
Former players have accused now-former North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley of sexual coercion spanning multiple teams and leagues since 2010, according to The Athletic.
Midfielder Sinead Farrelly played for Riley with three teams across three leagues, beginning in 2011. Farrelly told The Athletic that Riley often sat next to her at a bar where he regularly took the team, and eventually, she started to share deeply personal information with him.
When the team gathered in a crowded passenger van after their loss in the 2011 WPS final, Farrelly said she had to sit on Riley’s lap and he grabbed her hips.
“I felt claimed,” Farrelly told The Athletic. “That word honestly describes it perfectly for me, because I have this feeling that he went around and he looked at his prospects, and he zeroed in on me. He claimed me; that’s what his touch felt like. I just remember thinking: Is anyone else seeing this?”
Farrelly and Riley ended up in front of his hotel room, she said, and they both went in. Farrelly said that she felt Riley coerced her into having sex with him, and she spent the night in his room.
Riley’s alleged sexual coercion towards Farrelly continued during the offseason and later when she played for his semi-pro team in Long Island in 2012.
Farrelly joined Kansas City FC in the newly-formed NWSL in 2013, and then Riley traded for her when the Portland Thorns hired him later that year. He haunted Farrelly mentally and emotionally, she said. She even collapsed in a July 2014 game due to the toll it took on her.
Riley’s pattern of drinking with his players continued during his time with the Thorns.
“He really commands the kind of social culture he wants on the team,” an anonymous player who played for Riley in Portland said. “He has the authority. People don’t really push him on it, everyone accepts that just how he is. You’re trying to survive in his hierarchy.”
Ahead of the Thorns’ 2015 season, Meleana “Mana” Shim became entangled in the “social culture” that Riley had cultivated in Portland and in his previous teams. Over time, he started texting Shim more often and asked her to watch film with him, even sometimes at his apartment and in his hotel room.
After a night when the team went out to a bar, Farrelly and Shim ended up at Riley’s apartment. He offered them more alcohol in his apartment, the two players said, and asked Shim to dance with him and pressured the two teammates to kiss so the team wouldn’t have to run a suicide mile drill that week.
With the help of teammate Alex Morgan, Shim emailed a complaint to Thorns owner Merritt Paulson and HR director Nancy Garcia Ford in 2015.
Garcia Ford met with Shim about her complaint. Shim said Garcia Ford told her that she didn’t have a legal claim because Shim was unable to provide any corroborating evidence.
That fall, the Thorns announced that Riley would not be retained for a third season. From the outside, it looked like the team’s poor results had forced Portland’s hand. This week, Paulson acknowledged to The Athletic that the findings of the investigation factored in the team’s decision.
Riley continued to coach women’s soccer after his Thorns firing. He was fired by the Courage later on Thursday after The Athletic’s story was published.
After the NWSL adopted a new anti-harassment policy earlier this year, Farrelly and Shim contacted the league to ask for a new investigation into Riley’s behavior. League commissioner Lisa Baird thanked them for raising their concerns but informed both former players the 2015 complaint was “investigated to conclusion,” and that she could not share any details.
On Wednesday, Riley responded to a list of 23 questions from The Athletic about his alleged conduct with an email in which he stated that the majority of the allegations are “completely untrue.” He wrote: “I have never had sex with, or made sexual advances towards these players.” He said he sometimes socialized with players and occasionally picked up bar tabs, “but I do not take them out drinking.”
He conceded that over the course of his career “there’s a chance I’ve said something along the way that offended someone,” but he added, “I do not belittle my players, comment on their weight, or discuss their personal relationships.” Riley also denied holding film sessions in his hotel room.
The Courage said in a statement: “When we hired Paul, we made perfectly clear the expectations of the job and the values of our club, and from what we know, he has lived up to those expectations. If there are any players or staff that wish to come forward in accordance with NWSL league policy, we encourage them to report any inappropriate behavior as we will continue to uphold the standard of maintaining a safe and positive environment for all at the club.
“
For more on the allegations against Riley, you can read The Athletic‘s full story in the Go Deeper section below.
(Photo: Diego Diaz / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
GO DEEPER
How the structure of sports protects abusers of power
GO DEEPER
‘This guy has a pattern’: Amid institutional failure, former NWSL players accuse prominent coach of sexual coercion
Former Courage coach sexually coerced three players amid string of ‘systemic abuse’ throughout NWSL :: WRALSportsFan.com
By WRAL News
A report released on Monday describes sexual misconduct, verbal and emotional abuse in the National Women’s Soccer League as “systemic,” and names former North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley as one of the perpetrators.
The months-long independent investigation surfaced almost exactly a year after Riley was fired amid reports from players that Riley used sexual coercion and made inappropriate comments toward players.
“Our investigation has revealed a league in which abuse and misconduct — verbal and emotional abuse and sexual misconduct — had become systemic, spanning multiple teams, coaches and victims,” Sally Q. Yates, the lead investigator, wrote in the report’s executive summary. “Abuse in the N.W.S.L. is rooted in a deeper culture in women’s soccer, beginning in youth leagues, that normalizes verbally abusive coaching and blurs boundaries between coaches and players.”
When contacted by WRAL for comment on Monday, Riley said he was “not ready” to talk and the report was “not much of an independent investigation.”
The Courage was the focus of the NWSL world in fall 2021 when Riley was fired, prompting demonstrations at NWSL games in the following days.
King & Spalding, the law firm that led the investigation, recommended that teams be required to report any abuse allegations and not investigate themselves. Coaches would need to be trained on policies and player safety made a priority among teams.
The firm advised that coaches included in the report no longer be involved with NWSLPA or the league.
Riley’s name is mentioned hundreds of times in the report from his time with the Portland Thorns and the Courage. Riley left the Thorns in 2015 after a complaint from a player, Meleana Shim. The report notes that Riley pursued Shim for months and benched her after she turned down his advances. Riley used his authority as coach to coerce at least three players into sexual relationships while working in another league, the report says.
The report also details complaints against coaches Rory Dames and Christy Holly. Riley was among five coaches in the league who either was fired or resigned from their positions due to inappropriate behavior.
Courage players hold moment of silence in meaningful win, powerful night for NWSL
The report says that Riley, throughout his career and including his time with the Courage, inappropriately interfered in many aspects of players’ personal and professional lives, including their housing, cars, salary, weight and medical decisions.
“Paul structured himself as if he was more so a dictator than a coach. You felt as if you didn’t have an option or that you couldn’t let this person down, so even if we did feel uncomfortable, we couldn’t do anything,” a team captain told investigators.
Riley is accused of emotional manipulation of players, often with verbal attacks. The league and the United States Soccer Federation were aware of Riley’s conduct as early as the 2014 season, when player complained about Riley in surveys.
“It is like an abusive relationship. He will be so good to you, compliment you—give, give, give—and then he would take it away. Paul was so good at giving confidence and taking it away,” said a player who played for Riley on multiple teams.
WRAL reached out to the Courage for comment, but has not received a response from the team.
Riley was fired by the Portland Thorns after the 2015 season after an investigation into sexual harassment complaint by a player, Meleana Shim. Shim forwarded her complaint to the then-commissioner of the NWSL and it made its way to the top of the US Soccer Federation organization.
The Thorns, however, did not do an exhaustive investigation, instead terminating Riley for cause. But the Thorns did not inform team staff, other players, other NWSL teams or the public of his termination for cause. “The Thorns’ and Riley’s public statements fed player and public assumptions that the Thorns’ decision to release Riley was based on poor results,” the report said.
The Western New York Flash, which would move to Cary and become the Courage, “sought and received information and positive recommendations from the Thorns regarding Riley” during its hiring process. The report says there is no evidence the Thorns informed the Flash that it had fired Riley for cause. On Feb. 19, 2016, the franchise announced Riley as its head coach.
Sally Q. Yates, a partner at King & Spalding, said the abuse issues that surround women’s soccer are found in other age groups of those who play the sport, including youth soccer.
“Abuse in women’s profession soccer appears rooted in youth soccer,” Yates said in a press conference on Monday.
“Although our mandate was to investigate abuses in the NWSL … not in youth soccer .. the sad reality is that the abuse that we confronted does appear to rooted there.”
The problem became so publicized that Deborah Ross, 2nd Congressional District Congresswoman from North Carolina, led a group of 41 members of the House of Representatives in writing an open letter to the NWSL asking them to thoroughly investigate abuse and harassment within their league.
The report said the new ownership did not receive a copy of the Thorns’ 2015 report about Shim’s complaint. The report details differing accounts of how much of Riley’s history was made known to the Courage’s management.
NWSL reopens investigation regarding former Courage coach Paul Riley
On Jan. 30, 2017, the Courage announced Riley as head coach, stating the “success that he’s had throughout his career speaks for itself.”
In December 2018, the US Soccer Federation received an anonymous email complaint about Riley fostering an unsafe environment on his Development Academy youth teams.
In 2019, when Riley’s name surfaced in media reports as a potential candidate to become U.S. Women’s National Team coach, people familiar with Riley’s sexual misconduct with the Thorns reached out to USSF. Despite conversations that included the Courage, no action was taken, the report says. Riley publicly withdrew as a candidate.
In 2020, Riley received a contract extension from the Courage. Riley was fired on Sept. 30, 2021 after The Athletic reported on complaints from Thorns players, including Shim.
Under Riley, the Courage won the NWSL Shield for best regular-season team in 2017, 2018 and 2019. The Courage won the NWSL postseason title in 2018 and 2019.
After the league became embroiled in scandal, Jessica Berman took over as NWSL commissioner and told WRAL News a new a non-discrimination, harassment and bullying policy is in place for the league in hopes to build new trust and credibility.
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Women’s Football League matches canceled in the USA due to sex scandal :: Football :: RBC Sport
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North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley was fired from his post following allegations of sexual assault by several female players
Photo: Global Look Press
The American Women’s National Soccer League (NWSL) has canceled games this weekend following a sex scandal involving former North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley.
This is reported on the NWSL website.
“This week and much of this season has been incredibly traumatic for our players and staff, and I take full responsibility for the part I have played. I apologize for the pain that many are feeling right now. Recognizing this injury, we have decided not to take the field this weekend to give everyone a chance to reflect,” said NWSL Commissioner Lisa Baird.
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Riley, 58, was fired from the North Carolina Courage on Thursday after several female players accused him of sexual assault. According to the athletes, since 2010 the coach forced them to have sex during his work in several leagues and teams.
The US Football Federation later said it was deeply concerned about NWSL misconduct and suspended Riley’s coaching license.
NWSL is a professional football league administered by the United States Football Federation. It was founded in 2012. It is the highest tier in the women’s soccer league system in the United States.
Author
Ivan Vitchenko
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in the USA, female football players demand that they be treated at least within the framework of basic human rights – InoTV
According to female football players playing in the US National Women’s Football League, the scandal with coach Paul Riley is by no means an exceptional case, and this problem is systemic, reports NBC. Athletes demand that they be treated at least within the framework of basic human rights.
ERIN MCLEOD, Orlando Pride FC goaltender : These players will be scarred for the rest of their lives.
MCCALL ZERBONY, Gotham FC Linebacker : It’s time for their voices to be heard.
For the first time, Women’s National Football League players are speaking out about the shocking allegations against coach Paul Riley, who had just been fired from the North Carolina Caridge after about a dozen women told The Athletic that he had been verbally abusive and, in several cases, even sexually coerced. Riley denied all allegations and did not respond to NBC News.
SAM BROK, Correspondent NBC : Do you think the Paul Riley story is an exception?
MCCALL ZERBONY: I am convinced that this is systemic. And none of the officials, who supposedly should protect us and do justice, did not try to correct the situation.
Neither McCall Zerboni, a successful Gotham football player, nor Erin MacLeod, an Olympic gold medalist for Team Canada, have made these accusations, but they are deeply concerned about what they say is an example of a complete unwillingness to listen to the players.
ERIN MACLEOD: This is by no means a new story. Back in 2015, they made the same statements that were made in this article.
Riley, then coach of the Portland Thorns, was investigated that year. The contract was not renewed for him then, but he got a job at another club. According to Macleod, there are still people in the leadership of the Portland Thorns organizational structures who worked there during the alleged cases of illegal actions.
ERIN MCLEOD: They are collaborators and we need to make a difference. We need to get rid of these people.
Former Portland Thorns player Sinead Farley, who made the accusations, and another player, Mana Shim, responded boldly to the publication of this article.
MCCALL ZERBONY: You know, they tried it, but it didn’t work and they had to try again. Imagine the pain they experienced. But also imagine their power.
The National Women’s Football League did not respond to any of our requests for comment, however they reminded us of their previous statement regarding the new protection measures.
