Amid allegations of sexual coercion and emotional abuse by North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley, NWSL players are speaking out in reaction and support of their colleagues.

Alex Morgan, who is featured in The Athletic article and who originally helped Mana Shim report her experiences to the Portland Thorns and the league, tweeted out in support.

“I am sickened and have too many thoughts to share at this moment,” she wrote. “Bottom line: protect your players. Do the right thing NWSL.”

Mana and Sinead, we support you and are in your corner. I am sickened and have too many thoughts to share at this moment. Bottom line: protect your players. Do the right thing @NWSL https://t.co/7TGymLLrvn

— Alex Morgan (@alexmorgan13) September 30, 2021

USWNT star Megan Rapinoe also called out the clubs and executives which have allowed coaches accused of misconduct to find new roles elsewhere.

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

Haley Carter also voiced her support for the players, calling for the Courage to suspend Riley immediately.

“Abuse of any kind has no place in the game,” she wrote. “Get him away from players. Get any staff who was aware of this behavior and failed to report it away from players. This is a zero tolerance matter.”

Abuse of any kind has no place in the game. Suspend him immediately. Get him away from players. Get any staff who was aware of this behavior and failed to report it away from players. This is a zero tolerance matter. @meghannburke and @nwsl_players are spot on. https://t.co/UcK98HBOyJ

— Haley Carter - هیلی کارتر (@H_C_Carter) September 30, 2021

Nikki Stanton thanked those who shared their stories, telling them “it won’t be for nothing.”

Heart is heavy. Thank you to those who shared their stories, can’t fathom how hard this had to be to relive and share with the world. But it won’t be for nothing. We will fight for you and the other players, past and present, who have been in similar horrible experiences. https://t.co/poOqiQ3K8l

— Nikki Stanton (@GutiNikki7) September 30, 2021

Meanwhile, Nadia Nadim called the NWSL “such a joke.”

“Making their own bogus investigation, keeping it confidential, and then keep having the back of people that’s doing wrong have to stop,” she wrote.

“I’m back in this league to make a difference and to improve things. This league can be great, as we have the best players in the world. We just need to get the idiots out, gain power and make this league as great as it CAN be.”

Making their own bogus investigation, keeping it confidential, and then keep having the back of people that’s doing wrong have to stop.

— Nadia Nadim (@nadia_nadim) September 30, 2021

Still, I’m back in this league to make a difference and to improve things. This league can be great, as we have the best players in the world.

We just need to get the idiots out, gain power and make this league as great as it CAN be.

— Nadia Nadim (@nadia_nadim) September 30, 2021

Christine Sinclair called it “everyone’s responsibility to hold the standards and enforce accountability.”

Protect the players. Protect women. It’s everyone’s responsibility to hold the standards and enforce accountability. Why are we still dealing with these mostly male transgressions? This is unacceptable. @NWSL

— Christine Sinclair (@sincy12) September 30, 2021

Kealia Ohai Watt thanked Shim and Farrelly for their bravery.

“I am so sorry for what you have had to go through,” she wrote.

Mana and Sinead, thank you for your bravery. I am so sorry for what you have had to go through. I am sick. Protect your players @NWSL https://t.co/W9oRRpuN29

— Kealia Ohai Watt (@KealiaOhai) September 30, 2021

Janine Beckie also tweeted in support.

Thinking of all my friends, former teammates, and all players in the NWSL. What they’re having to deal with is far, far beyond reason or understanding. Protect your players.

— Janine Beckie (@janinebeckie) September 30, 2021

Becky Sauerbrunn thanked those who have spoken out in recent months for their “strength and courage.” She also thanked the NWSLPA for the leadership they’ve shown and asked players to make use of the resources the PA has made available.

“We’ve been doing this for almost a decade now, with two prior leagues’ worth of experience beforehand to inform and guide us,” she wrote. “To be where we are today is unacceptable. The league and every club have to do better.”

https://t.co/XrV2EQA0oL pic.twitter.com/PjMt8l20ZC

— Becky Sauerbrunn (@beckysauerbrunn) September 30, 2021

Angel City FC also tweeted out in response to the NWSLPA’s statement, saying, “we will not and are not ignoring this.”

NWSL Players deserve better and we stand by you. We will not and are not ignoring this. https://t.co/NzZyTxBmUg

— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) September 30, 2021

They later issued a full statement, calling the allegations “absolutely horrific and unacceptable.”

pic.twitter.com/X6SrOXnGsr

— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) September 30, 2021

Gotham FC issued a statement of their own, alongside GM Yael Averbuch West.

Speaking out and speaking up is how conditions will improve for professional women’s’ soccer. The time is now. https://t.co/HuhOMcSAD1

— NJ/NY Gotham FC (@GothamFC) September 30, 2021

Thank you to the players who so bravely came forward to share their personal experiences. The entirety of NWSL is responsible for the safety of our members, and we MUST do more and be better on their behalf. https://t.co/RDujjMIphF

— Yael Averbuch West (@Yael_Averbuch) September 30, 2021

Didi Haracic tweeted “DO NOT IGNORE THIS.”

DO NOT IGNORE THIS. https://t.co/rwzQBJ2p4r

— 𝘿𝙞𝘿𝙞 𝙃𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙘 (@DIdeeds) September 30, 2021

Crystal Dunn also responded, tweeting “Protect players! Protect women!”

🗣Protect players! Protect women!

— Crystal Dunn | Soubrier | (@Cdunn19) September 30, 2021

Angela Salem expressed her sadness and dissapointment.

“Enough is enough!” she wrote. “Players should not have to suffer anymore. The last few weeks have been a shitshow. My heart is so heavy right now.”

Anger. Pain. Sadness. Disappointment. Enough is enough! Players should not have to suffer anymore. The last few weeks have been a shitshow. My heart is so heavy right now. PROTECT THE PLAYERS!!!!! https://t.co/eJESxY2Xrq

— Angela Salem (@asalem6) September 30, 2021

Rachel Corsie echoed the NWSLPA, stating “WE WILL NOT LET THIS CONTINUE.”

WE WILL NOT LET THIS CONTINUE. https://t.co/5MzHjq0Kbk

— Rachel Corsie (@RachelCorsie14) September 30, 2021

Megan Rapinoe also responded to the allegations.

“Men, protecting men, who are abusing women,” she wrote. “I’ll say it again, men, protecting men, who are ABUSING WOMEN.

“Burn it all down. Let all 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

Meghan Klingenberg added to statements she made in August at the International Champions Cup.

“It takes real courage to speak out about abuse and harassment in this league, especially when the perpetrators are often rehired and the very institutions that are supposed to protect us from them give them a free pass for abusive behavior,” she wrote. “It is enraging that the NWSL knew about this abuse and allowed the abuser to be rehired…A safe work environment is the lowest bar.

“This league won’t fold. But it sure as hell won’t ever be the same. And that’s a good thing.”

We Deserve Better (Part II) pic.twitter.com/c1MIAnrOde

— Meghan Klingenberg (@meghankling) September 30, 2021

She then called out Lisa Baird in the NWSL’s statement, calling the accusations “not *new*”

they’re not *new* https://t.co/k41QoSoFC0

— Bethany Balcer (@bethanybalcer) September 30, 2021

“People need to stop blaming others for their feelings & saying ‘i’m sorry what i said/did made you feel that way,'” she wrote in a later tweet. “Own up to the fact that they were wrong. what hurts me most is that people are still failing to hold themselves accountable.”

people need to stop blaming others for their feelings & saying “i’m sorry what i said/did made you feel that way” & own up to the fact that they were wrong. what hurts me most is that people are still failing to hold themselves accountable. own up to your shit and quit hiding it

— Bethany Balcer (@bethanybalcer) September 30, 2021

Toni Deion Pressley also threw her support behind Shim and Farrelly.

Thank you Sinead and Mana for speaking up! We stand behind you and we support you! https://t.co/l6p5gBxkZf

— Toni Deion Pressley (@Toni_Deion) September 30, 2021

Bella Bixby tweeted “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH”

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. https://t.co/9wvx62auOn

— Bella Bixby (@bellageist) September 30, 2021

“The bare minimum we ask is that we can show up and do our job in a safe environment,” she wrote in another tweet. “This abuse occurs at every level that I know of and it is horrifying. When will leadership stop falling on the players alone to protect each other? Protect players, protect women. Period.”

The bare minimum we ask is that we can show up and do our job in a safe environment. This abuse occurs at every level that I know of and it is horrifying. When will leadership stop falling on the players alone to protect each other? Protect players, protect women. Period.

— Bella Bixby (@bellageist) September 30, 2021

Sophia Smith responded to the allegations on Twitter, calling it “scary” as a young player.

“It’s a scary and intimidating feeling to never know who’s looking out for you or who you can trust,” she wrote. “the bare minimum is being asked of the league to protect its players, and they can’t even do that.”

what’s happening in this league is sickening. as a young player it’s a scary and intimidating feeling to never know who’s looking out for you or who you can trust. the bare minimum is being asked of the league to protect its players, and they can’t even do that.

— Sophia Smith (@sophsssmith) September 30, 2021

San Diego NWSL also responded, calling players the “nucleus” of the NWSL.

pic.twitter.com/jSjPXGvrYe

— San Diego (@SanDiegoNWSL) September 30, 2021

Head coach Casey Stoney also responded, calling player welfare “paramount.”

“Creating an open, honest, caring & supportive environment is something I pride myself on & will continue in my new role,” she continued. “It is never easy to speak out but those players are brave & courageous.”

I’m saddened & disgusted by today’s news. Player welfare is paramount. Creating an open, honest, caring & supportive environment is something I pride myself on & will continue in my new role. It is never easy to speak out but those players are brave & courageous #Timeforchange https://t.co/OIzHyLqlMW

— Casey Stoney MBE 💙 (@CaseyStoney) September 30, 2021

Rosie White called it “disturbing and disgusting.”

Disturbing and disgusting. No one should ever have to experience such abuse. We’ve had enough of this bullshit. https://t.co/TUYsZfi6Ns

— Rosie White (@rosiewhite13) September 30, 2021

The Chicago Red Stars also issued a statement, saying they are “outraged to hear about another instance of player abuse and are devastated for the players involved.”

A statement from the Chicago Red Stars pic.twitter.com/iTs4RExoHf

— Chicago Red Stars (@chicagoredstars) September 30, 2021

Kaiya McCullough, who has detailed her own accounts of abuse allegations to the Washington Post over former coach Richie Burke, said she “held back tears” as she read the article.

“How long does this need to go on?” she wrote.

No more half-assed responses. No more lack of transparency. No more dismissing credible allegations. The fact that so many women have been put through the EXACT same shit without any consequences is pathetic. How long does this need to go on?

— Kai (@hiyakaiya) September 30, 2021

“Every time I feel like I have found some sort of peace, I am re-traumatized with the fact that the same shit is happening to others, and nobody in positions of power are doing anything,” she continued.

Every time I feel like I have found some sort of peace, I am re-traumatized with the fact that the same shit is happening to others, and nobody in positions of power are doing anything. I am sad. I am hurt. I hope that those affected can find peace. I am sorry this has happened.

— Kai (@hiyakaiya) September 30, 2021

Julie Foudy also responded.

“A league for women. Yet @NWSL fails to protect women,” she wrote.

A league for women. Yet @NWSL fails to protect women. And then tries to continue to sweep it under the rug. Support these players. Believe these players. Protect these players. Transparency, accountability NOW.

— Julie Foudy (@JulieFoudy) September 30, 2021

Nicole Baxter also sounded off, saying she was “enraged.”

My heart hurts so bad for Sinead and Mana. I cannot imagine the bravery it takes to speak publicly about something so personal and traumatizing. These poor f*cking women should NEVER have had to go through this. Holy hell I’m enraged https://t.co/Mdj40qWTvh

— Nicole Baxter (@NicoleBaxter512) September 30, 2021

The WNBA is back in action on Tuesday night, as the Indiana Fever and Seattle Storm headline a series of games that could make or break the current trajectories of several 2025 title contenders.

Seeking an especially strong Tuesday performance is the Fever, as Indiana tries to snap a two-game losing streak against the increasingly confident Storm.

"There are going to be stretches that are really good and there's going to be stretches that aren't as good," Fever guard Caitlin Clark said on Sunday, addressing her recent shooting slump.

While the Indiana and Seattle clash will lead the Tuesday charge, the night will also see young squads sizing up WNBA juggernauts as bottom-table teams look for a leg up:

• No. 8 Indiana Fever vs. No. 5 Seattle Storm, 10 PM ET (NBA TV): The Fever need a win against a Storm side that can't seem to lose, as both teams eye the postseason.

• No. 1 Minnesota Lynx vs. No. 9 Washington Mystics, 8 PM ET (WNBA League Pass): The up-and-coming Mystics will attempt to hand the Lynx a second season loss, as Minnesota star Napheesa Collier remains day-to-day with lower back stiffness.

• No. 4 Atlanta Dream vs. No. 12 Dallas Wings, 8 PM ET (WNBA League Pass): The Dream are on a tear, surging up the standings as the struggling Wings attempt to take flight.

• No. 10 LA Sparks vs. No. 11 Chicago Sky, 8 PM ET (NBA TV): The Sparks have cooled after a hot start while the Sky has yet to rev up, with both teams aiming to end a three-game losing streak on Tuesday night.

Teams across the league are hoping to make the most of every minute while also managing injury concerns and absences as the WNBA All-Star break looms.

The WNBA Class of 2025 is already making its mark on the league, with first-year players stepping up and showing out while the Rookie of the Year race — and betting odds — heat up.

No. 1 draft pick Paige Bueckers has been just as good as advertised, with the Dallas Wings guard leading her class in both minutes played and points per game while also charting league-wide in assists per game, steals per game, and mid-range shots made.

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DraftKings currently has Bueckers as the clear WNBA Rookie of the Year race frontrunner at -1,000, though the dynamic DC duo of guard Sonia Citron (+1,500) and forward Kiki Iriafen (+1,000) are quickly gaining traction.

Iriafen won May's WNBA Rookie of the Month award after a series of career-opening double-doubles, while her Washington Mystics teammate Citron has continued to execute in the clutch — most recently posting a career-high double-double performance of 27 points and 11 rebounds in last Sunday's 91-88 overtime win over Dallas.

"Not only is [Iriafen] holding her own, she's excelling," Citron told JWS earlier this month. "And seeing that is just incredible."

"Soni just does all the little things," Iriafen added. "She doesn't shortcut anything, she's doing the fundamentals, she doesn't cheat the game at all."

Though the NWSL hit the pause button this week, players worldwide are still on the move, as both European and US soccer teams use the midseason break to sharpen their lineups with international signings.

The NWSL has already seen one major departure, with the San Diego Wave announcing Monday that forward María Sánchez will return to her former Liga MX club UANL Tigres after nearly five years in the NWSL, with the Wave set to receive an undisclosed transfer fee in return.

"When the opportunity came to return to Tigres, I had to do a lot of inner searching, and I ultimately decided that returning to Liga MX Femenil and Tigres specifically was the best course of action for my career," the 29-year-old dual citizen and Mexico international player said in the Wave's release.

NWSL clubs are also setting their sights on European free agents, with the Washington Spirit bringing in Juventus forward Sofia Cantore last week — the first Italian signing in league history.

Also hopping aboard the player transaction carousel is new WSL side London City, with the top-flight debutantes inking OL Lyonnes midfielder and Dutch international Daniëlle van de Donk on Friday.

Meanwhile, van de Donk's wife and club teammate Ellie Carpenter is also potentially WSL-bound, with the defender reportedly nearing a deal that would see the Australian join Chelsea FC in return for the Blues sending Canadian international Ashley Lawrence to OL Lyonnes.

For their part, OL Lyonnes picked up defender Ingrid Engen from Barcelona as a free agent last week, adding the Norwegian international after snagging French forward and PSG's all-time leading scorer Marie-Antoinette Katoto earlier this month.

With the most recent NWSL CBA abolishing traditional trade windows, expect even more international signings and roster reshufflings before the league resumes play on August 1st.

San Diego is paying tribute to one of their own, with the Wave announcing plans to retire the No. 13 jersey of NWSL and USWNT legend Alex Morgan on September 7th.

Still topping the team's all-time scoring leaderboard with 23 goals in just over two seasons with San Diego, the retired club captain will be the first-ever Wave player to receive the prestigious honor.

Morgan also led San Diego to the 2023 NWSL Shield as well as postseason appearances in the 2022 expansion club's first two seasons.

"Alex's legacy goes far beyond goals and accolades. She helped lay the foundation for this club and elevated the standard for what women's soccer is today," said Wave FC governor Lauren Leichtman in the team's Tuesday announcement.

"She made this city her home, inspired our fans and community, and helped define who we are," Leichtman continued. "Her impact will be felt for generations, and it's only fitting that her number becomes a permanent part of Wave FC history." 

Morgan joined the Southern California squad's ownership group just last month, saying "San Diego is where I've built my home, where I am raising my children, and found a purpose beyond my playing career."

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How to attend the San Diego jersey retirement of Alex Morgan

San Diego will officially retire Morgan's No. 13 jersey during their home match against the Houston Dash at 8 PM ET on September 7th.

Tickets to the game will go on sale to the general public online at 6 PM ET on Tuesday.