Chicago Red Stars co-owner Sarah Spain is speaking out against the NWSL amid the ongoing fallout from the allegations of abuse leveled at former North Carolina coach Paul Riley.
The Athletic’s report detailing alleged sexual coercion and emotional abuse from Riley has rocked the league since its Thursday release.
In a thread posted to Twitter, Spain says she is “blindsided by the toxic culture” of the NWSL and even wondered if she should “get out.” Instead of folding, however, the Red Stars co-owner says she cares about overhauling the league.
“I’m committed to burning it all down and building it back without the fear, power dynamics, toxicity, and secrecy that allowed it to get where it is,” says Spain of the NWSL.
The ESPN reporter is among a group of more than ten people who joined the Red Stars ownership group back in March 2021.
(2/) ... done on the NWSL this season has been shocking, disheartening, infuriating & has at times made me feel hopeless. To be blindsided by the toxic culture at a league you want to support & want to help grow is a gut-punch. Yesterday I wondered if I should get out. Give up.— Sarah Spain (@SarahSpain) October 1, 2021
(2/) ... done on the NWSL this season has been shocking, disheartening, infuriating & has at times made me feel hopeless. To be blindsided by the toxic culture at a league you want to support & want to help grow is a gut-punch. Yesterday I wondered if I should get out. Give up.