NWSL commissioner Lisa Baird spoke with the media shortly after news broke Wednesday that former Washington Spirit head coach Richie Burke had been verbally abusive toward players.
Baird’s call had been scheduled prior to the reports. She opened by acknowledging that the NWSL had begun an investigation into Burke’s behavior, and that league had not been involved in the Spirit’s initial report, which said Burke was stepping down as coach due to health reasons.
“The investigation was in response to very credible reports,” Baird said. “I am not going to comment on anyone’s medical condition.”
Continuing, Baird added that the abuses which have been alleged “have no place in our sport.”