The NWSL announced on Tuesday that no disciplinary action would be taken following an independent investigation into Red Stars defender Sarah Gorden’s allegations of racial profiling by a security guard in Houston.
The league initiated the investigation on April 13 after Gorden tweeted that she and her boyfriend, who are Black, were “targeted” by security after the Red Stars’ game against the Houston Dash on April 9.
My bf came to our game against @HoustonDash + after the game he came down steps to talk to me. We were immediately (before he was close 2 me)followed by security and told he would be arrested if he came close. Meanwhile white players were talking to white fam all over the stadium— Sarah Gorden (@sarahlgorden) April 10, 2021
My bf came to our game against @HoustonDash + after the game he came down steps to talk to me. We were immediately (before he was close 2 me)followed by security and told he would be arrested if he came close. Meanwhile white players were talking to white fam all over the stadium
The NWSL said it conducted the investigation based on the protocols set forth in its Anti-Harassment Policy for a Safe Work Environment.
“Following multiple interviews with witnesses and a review of the venue security footage, the investigation was closed,” the league said in a press release.
The National Women’s Soccer League announced today that its independent investigator has completed the investigation into an incident that occurred on April 9, 2021 in Houston.Details:— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) May 4, 2021
The National Women’s Soccer League announced today that its independent investigator has completed the investigation into an incident that occurred on April 9, 2021 in Houston.Details:
The NWSL’s public statement confirmed it would have no further comment on the matter.
Some on social media compared the Houston investigation to a 2020 league inquiry into Utah Royals owner Dell Loy Hansen after reports of him making racist comments emerged.
Between the racist incident in Houston, and the Dell Loy Hansen investigation, we haven't gotten a whole lot of transparency from the NWSL on some issues that are REALLY important to fans. How does that change going forward?— Gal Pal Sports (@GalPalSports) May 4, 2021
Between the racist incident in Houston, and the Dell Loy Hansen investigation, we haven't gotten a whole lot of transparency from the NWSL on some issues that are REALLY important to fans. How does that change going forward?
Women’s soccer writer Steph Yang hit on a point of concern for many following the NWSL’s statement — the league’s perceived secrecy on internal matters.
I am once again asking you to be slightly less secretive: #NWSL’s investigation into Houston stadium security is a missed opportunity for transparency https://t.co/AzB5SDDrnB— Steph Yang | Horrible Soccer Goose (@thrace) May 5, 2021
I am once again asking you to be slightly less secretive: #NWSL’s investigation into Houston stadium security is a missed opportunity for transparency https://t.co/AzB5SDDrnB
As Meg Linehan of The Athletic pointed out, perhaps there is a legal policy that restricts the NWSL from speaking further, but the consistent lack of transparency from the league has manifested in a lack of trust among fans.
“Following multiple interviews with witnesses and a review of the venue security footage, the investigation was closed. Based on the findings of the independent investigator, no disciplinary action will be taken against the club.” #NWSL https://t.co/Nl10FLfYOI— Meg Linehan (@itsmeglinehan) May 4, 2021
“Following multiple interviews with witnesses and a review of the venue security footage, the investigation was closed. Based on the findings of the independent investigator, no disciplinary action will be taken against the club.” #NWSL https://t.co/Nl10FLfYOI
This investigation and the league’s subsequent response have renewed questions about NWSL policy that, to many, remains opaque and unclear.