Letter to Marla Messing, Interim CEO of the National Women's Soccer League; Cindy Parlow Cone, President of the US Soccer Federation - Congresswoman Ross Leads 41 House Members in Calling for a Thorough Investigation of U.S. Soccer Abuse Allegations

Letter

Dear Ms. Messing and Ms. Cone:
We write regarding the National Women's Soccer League's (NWSL) handling of sexual
harassment and abuse claims. We are troubled by a series of recent allegations demonstrating a
pattern of systemic harassment and abuse within the league. We urge the NWSL and its players
to work together to conduct a thorough investigation into these claims.
As you know, four NWSL coaches have been fired in the past three months. In July, Farid
Benstiti, then head coach of O.L. Reign, was asked to resign after a player reported that he had
made inappropriate comments. In August, Christy Holly, then-head coach of Racing Louisville,
was terminated after players reported a toxic environment. On September 28, Richie Burke, head
coach of the Washington Spirit, was fired for verbally and emotionally abusing players. Just two
days later, on September 30, Paul Riley, then-head coach of the North Carolina Courage, was
fired after reports of sexual harassment and misconduct were made public.
In this latest case, the NWSL was notified multiple times of harassment claims against Mr. Riley,
who was suspended as coach of the Portland Thorns in 2015 following reports of misconduct
from players but not further disciplined. This pattern of abuse and inaction constitutes an
institutional failure to support and protect the rights and safety of players.
We appreciate that the U.S. Soccer Federation is opening a formal, independent investigation of
allegations and the league's response headed by former acting U.S. Attorney General Sally
Yates. We are also pleased that Riley was removed from his position with North Carolina
Courage and that U.S. Soccer has suspended his coaching license.
The NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA) has asked that 1) every coach, general manager,
owner, and representative on the NWSL board of governors to submit to the NWSLPA's
independent investigation into abusive conduct; 2) the scope of the NWSL's investigation be
expanded to include each of the 12 NWSL clubs represented on the Board of Governors; and 3)
the investigation determine whether any league office staff, NWSL club, or individual in a
position of power within the NWSL neglected to investigate concerns of abuse raised by any
player or staff. We urge all parties involved in this matter to work together in good faith as the
investigation continues. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

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