OL Reign and USWNT star Megan Rapinoe wants to see the NWSL “burn” following allegations of sexual coercion and emotional abuse by former North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley.
Let. It. Burn. https://t.co/rW4ocYeb6n
— Megan Rapinoe (@mPinoe) September 30, 2021
The USWNT star called out NWSL owners and countless others who stayed quiet about the allegations, which allowed Riley to continue coaching in the NWSL despite the Portland Thorns having investigated him for inappropriate behavior.
“Men, protecting men, who are abusing women,” Rapinoe wrote. “Burn it all down. Let their heads roll.”
Men, protecting men, who are abusing women. I’ll say it again, men, protecting men, who are ABUSING WOMEN. Burn it all down. Let all their heads roll. https://t.co/iHg3JlVVe0
— Megan Rapinoe (@mPinoe) September 30, 2021
She later reiterated the statement while quoting a tweet showcasing the statement given by Thorns GM Gavin Wilkinson following Riley’s resignation in 2015.
At the time, it was believed that Riley’s contract had not been renewed by the Thorns simply because of underwhelming results. This week, the Thorns admitted that an investigation into inappropriate behavior between Riley and players informed their decision not to resign the coach. Six months later, he was named coach of the Western New York Flash, who later became the North Carolina Courage.
Men protecting men, who are abusing Women. https://t.co/EO0ecKND1t
— Megan Rapinoe (@mPinoe) September 30, 2021
Felow USWNT star Alex Morgan has called out the NWSL for saying they were unaware of the extent of the allegations. Rapinoe then quoted Morgan’s tweet, calling the NWSL’s statement Thursday “beyond disrespectful.”
“Not once during this whole time was the right person protected,” Rapinoe wrote. “Not Mana, not Sinead, not us not the players not the little girls who will become us not the big girls who already are not any of US.”
Never once during this whole time was the right person protected. Not Mana, not Sinead, not us not the players not the little girls who will become us not the big girls who already are us not any of US. This statement is beyond disrespectful. https://t.co/HDPkFhFEc6
— Megan Rapinoe (@mPinoe) September 30, 2021
The NWSL has opted not to play any games this weekend as they continue to work through the recent allegations.
Fellow USWNT stars Sam Mewis and Lynn Williams, who were coached by Riley on the North Carolina Courage, have also spoken out about the allegations.
“I support Sinead and Mana,” Mewis wrote. “I am horrified to read the details of what happened to them. The league needs to do whatever is necessary to make them (and other victims, like Kaiya) feel heard, believed, and protected.”
“I fully support Mana Shim and Sinead Farrelly, and I admire the bravery it took for them to come forward,” said Williams. “I am sickened by the details outlined in the article, and saddened to know there may be others.”
Countless other NWSL players have also spoken out, while NWSL commissioner Lisa Baird has said she takes “full responsibility” for what has been a tumultuous season for the league.
