Portland Thorns owner Merritt Paulson has deleted tweets that showed him being friendly toward Paul Riley, the coach who was fired by the North Carolina Courage last week amid allegations of sexual coercion and emotional abuse.
On Monday, Paulson apologized for his role in the NWSL scandal. Portland investigated Riley in 2015 when he was coach of the team after former player Mana Shim filed a complaint over his behavior. The Thorns terminated Riley’s contract after finding his conduct in violation of team policies but didn’t say that publicly at the time. The Western New York Flash hired Riley five months later.
In the now-deleted tweets, Paulson congratulated Riley for his work with the Courage, calling it “phenomenal.”
It appears Thorns owner Merritt Paulson has deleted these tweets directed at disgraced coach Paul Riley within the last day or so. These tweets came after Paulson was made aware of disturbing allegations against Riley in 2015. #NWSL #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/CrqnYvo6SR— Caitlin Murray (@caitlinmurr) October 5, 2021
It appears Thorns owner Merritt Paulson has deleted these tweets directed at disgraced coach Paul Riley within the last day or so. These tweets came after Paulson was made aware of disturbing allegations against Riley in 2015. #NWSL #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/CrqnYvo6SR
As of Wednesday, the only tweets that remained linking the two were one about a James Bond movie and another sending Riley well wishes after his father passed away.
In the days since the allegations against Riley surfaced, the NWSL has undergone a league-wide reckoning. Lisa Baird resigned as commissioner and the NWSL, FIFA and U.S. Soccer each opened up investigations into misconduct in the league.
Still, players have been calling for more accountability from NWSL leaders, including Paulson and Thorns GM Gavin Wilkinson.