Sydny Nasello and the Portland Thorns addressed the No. 13 overall draft pick’s social media activity on Saturday after fans raised concerns about past controversial tweets.
Fans, including the Rose City Riveters, called out Nasello during Saturday’s NWSL Draft for a series of tweets posted to her account, with the Thorns supporters group writing, “Fascism, racism, homophobia, transphobia- we are against these.”
Fascism, racism, homophobia, transphobia- we are against these. We don’t support anyone who represents/espouses these views, full stop.Looking forward to hearing from @ThornsFC. #BAONPDX— Rose City Riveters (@PDXRivetersSG) December 18, 2021
Fascism, racism, homophobia, transphobia- we are against these. We don’t support anyone who represents/espouses these views, full stop.Looking forward to hearing from @ThornsFC. #BAONPDX
A post by Nasello’s account began making the rounds following her draft selection, with the University of South Florida junior retweeting a message that advocated for the exclusion of trans athletes from sports.
Interested in how Portland responds to what appears to be a character issue with their first pick this year https://t.co/khWaVUVwNL— Claire Watkins (@ScoutRipley) December 18, 2021
Interested in how Portland responds to what appears to be a character issue with their first pick this year https://t.co/khWaVUVwNL
Head coach Rhian Wilkinson addressed the mounting concerns regarding Nasello’s views espoused on Twitter, telling reporters that the club did its “due diligence” but that they didn’t do the “work needed on the social media side.”
“I think it’s important that I state that this is an inclusive, open club that values its fans and knows what we stand for,” added Wilkinson.
Further elaboration from Rhian Wilkinson in here: defends the due diligence done by the club, admits that didn’t include social media, says Portland is an inclusive environment https://t.co/K3F8b2a8T8— Claire Watkins (@ScoutRipley) December 19, 2021
Further elaboration from Rhian Wilkinson in here: defends the due diligence done by the club, admits that didn’t include social media, says Portland is an inclusive environment https://t.co/K3F8b2a8T8
Nasello issued an apology to Thorns fans on Saturday, but her tweets are now protected, allowing only approved followers to view her account.
The Nasello controversy comes after a tumultuous year for Portland, with the club still reeling from a report in The Athletic in which former players accused ex-coach Paul Riley of sexual coercion and emotional abuse. What the front office knew and when has been the subject of scrutiny, leaving many fans calling for a total overhaul of the team’s leadership.
The Thorns hired Karina LeBlanc as general manager in November, moving on from former GM Gavin Wilkinson and ushering in a new era of transparency. Nasello’s signing, to many fans, is in direct contradiction to the “purpose-driven” ethos LeBlanc said she intended to foster in Portland.