The Portland Thorns announced a series of accountability, engagement and equity initiatives on Wednesday, one day after the Timbers were cleared of intentional wrongdoing in the case involving former player Andy Polo.
The investigation found that the club did not entice Polo’s estranged wife, Genessis Alarcón, to forgo pressing charges after an alleged instance of domestic violence by Polo.
Among the initiatives is the hiring of a new executive who will focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. A vice president of community and social impact will also be hired.
Over the past several months we have sought input, counsel and feedback from players, supporters, staff and outside experts to create a comprehensive series of new initiatives.Our Accountability, Engagement and Equity Initiatives: https://t.co/zw4zRzN8CK | #BAONPDX— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) March 30, 2022
Over the past several months we have sought input, counsel and feedback from players, supporters, staff and outside experts to create a comprehensive series of new initiatives.Our Accountability, Engagement and Equity Initiatives: https://t.co/zw4zRzN8CK | #BAONPDX
There will also be more direct and transparent lines of communication between fans and the front office.
“Over the past several months we have sought input, counsel and feedback from our players, supporters, staff and outside experts, and have completed a full-scale internal audit,” the clubs said in a release. “Our action plan to bolster accountability, equity and engagement that we’re sharing with you today is the result of that process.”
Other initiatives include:
The new initiatives also come on the heels of a league-wide reckoning in the NWSL that stemmed from a report in The Athletic that heavily featured the Thorns. Former head coach Paul Riley was with the Thorns from 2014 to 2015, during which he is alleged to have sexually assaulted players. Former Thorn Mana Shim also said that then-Thorns GM Gavin Wilkinson pressured her to keep her sexual identity quiet.
Wilkinson was later placed on leave and Karina LeBlanc was named GM in his place. Wilkinson has since been reinstated as the club’s president.
The club came under further fire when they drafted Sydny Nasello, whose past social media activity raised concerns amongst fans.