In protest of their NWSL match, members of Gotham FC and Washington Spirit join hands. (1:47).
Cindy Parlow Cone, president of U.S. Soccer, has stated that she is heartbroken by allegations of sexual misconduct and abusive behavior in the National Women's Soccer League. She also said that her organization is committed to investigating this "abhorrent conduct."
Paul Riley, North Carolina Courage coach, has been fired after allegations of bullying and sexual coercion. Richie Burke, Washington Spirit coach was expelled from the NWSL for verbal abuse and emotional abuse of players.
Parlow Cone wrote to his fans that former U.S. attorney and Deputy Attorney General of United States Sally Yates, who were appointed by the USSF in order to conduct an independent investigation into the Athletic's allegations, had been granted "full autonomy and access to the necessary resources" for a thorough examination.
Murray: The scandal surrounding Riley in the NWSL points to bigger league failures
These reports make me angry and sad, just like you. As a former player and youth soccer coach, I am more concerned about ensuring that soccer players are respected and safe on the field. Parlow Cone stated, "I cannot express how sorry I am for anyone who was a victim to abusive behavior or sexual misconduct within our sport."
"When I assumed the presidency of U.S. Soccer 2020, the new leadership team realized that, despite all the challenges, the core mission of the organization was to provide a safe environment for the athletes who love the sport to grow, learn and compete. U.S. soccer is determined to make a difference on this matter.
"This means that we will do everything possible to investigate the disturbing conduct and take a close look at the whole soccer industry in this country, including ourselves, to understand the systemic changes needed to stop this from happening again."
The USSF investigation is just one of three ongoing probes, with the NWSL or FIFA also doing their own.
Cindy Parlow Cone supported independent investigations into these allegations. Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
After Alex Morgan, forward to USWNT, tweeted a series emails showing that Baird failed to act on a request from a player for her to reopen the 2015 investigation into Riley, Lisa Baird, commissioner of NWSL and Lisa Levine as general counsel, both were forced out by Levine.
The NWSL players paused matches at the 6th minute and stood side-by-side to commemorate six years of inaction by the league on Riley. Many teams from England observed a minute of silence before their matches to show solidarity with the players.
"We have both a responsibility to ourselves and an opportunity. We have to make things right for athletes, teams and fans, as well as our soccer community, especially our youngest players. "Looking forward, I believe that this sport will have a brighter future if all the players work together to create a positive, vibrant, and respectful culture that is trustworthy for all levels of the game," Parlow Cone said.
"These past weeks have been extremely difficult, and I have no doubt that the months ahead will be even more challenging as we continue to reflect and reconcile what happened." I am reaffirming my commitment to you that U.S. Soccer approaches this process with humility and transparency, and a desire to make meaningful changes.
