Megan Rapinoe: 'I Don't Think' Merritt Paulson, Arnim Whisler Fit to Be NWSL Owners

OL Reign midfielder Megan Rapinoe called for ownership changes following the release of the Yates report detailing systemic sexual misconduct, verbal abuse and emotional abuse in the National Women's Soccer League.

"I don't think Merritt Paulson is fit to be the owner in Portland," Rapinoe told reporters Thursday. "I don't think Arnim [Whisler] is fit to be the owner in Chicago."

Both Paulson and Whisler released statements following the Yates report saying they'd remove themselves from the clubs' day-to-day operations.

"Yesterday's Yates report unveiling was the darkest day I have experienced, and I know the same is true for everyone else who loves our team and our league," Portland Thorns owner Paulson said Tuesday. "I know it was even harder and darker for those whose stories were shared publicly. I cannot apologize enough for our role in a gross systemic failure to protect player safety and the missteps we made in 2015. I am truly sorry."

The Thorns fired president of soccer Gavin Wilkinson and president of business Mike Golub on Wednesday.

The owner of the Chicago Red Stars is committed to rebuilding trust and respect among players.

"There are few things in life that I have as much love and admiration for than our Chicago Red Stars," Whisler's statement read. "That's why after reviewing yesterday's report, I am filled with sorrow upon reading the many stories and experiences shared by so many incredibly brave individuals who have played in the NWSL, including our beloved club. I am so deeply sorry for what our players experienced during their time spent in Chicago."

The Red Stars' board of directors voted Wednesday to remove Whisler as chairman on Wednesday.

The Yates report focused on the conduct of three former NWSL coaches, including allegations of verbal and emotional abuse and sexual harassment. The Thorns and Red Stars were found to have organizational failures.

The USWNT players said that Riley was abusive towards them. There was no action taken after the information was shared. The NWSL had a coach named Riley.

The North Carolina Courage fired him after he was accused of using emotionally coercive behavior to establish sexual relationships with two players.

A former player of the Chicago Eclipse, a youth club with teams for boys and girls, filed a police report after learning that Dames was the subject of a series of articles by the Washington Post.

He was hired as the Red Stars head coach despite being accused of fostering a sexuallyized team environment. The USWNT players voiced their concerns about Dames when they made complaints about Riley. Dames was reported to have offered to resign over the players' concerns, but he was rejected and ignored by the team.

Dames stepped down as Red Stars head coach.

NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman said the league was "supportive of the important steps taken by the Portland Thorns and Chicago Red Stars" on Wednesday.

"As the League continues to evaluate the Yates report, I want to assure you that we remain committed to implementing reform and disciplinary action, both as a result of the Yates Report and the NWSL/NWSLPA's Joint Investigative Team's findings," Berman said.

Rapinoe is currently representing the United States women's national team for road friendlies against England and Spain.

USWNT captain Becky Sauerbrunn also changed for changes in wake of the Yates report.

"Every owner and executive and U.S. Soccer official who has repeatedly failed the players and failed to protect the players who have hidden behind legalities and have not participated in these investigations should be gone," Sauerbrunn told reporters Tuesday. "At the bare minimum, the recommendations that are in the Sally Yates report should be immediately implemented by U.S. Soccer and by the league."

So far, the NWSL hasn't indicted whether it'll attempt to force any owners to sell their respective clubs based on the findings of the Yates report.