The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has reached a significant milestone, agreeing to a $5 million settlement for current and former players who have faced harassment and sexual misconduct. This groundbreaking decision, unveiled on Wednesday by the offices of the New York, Illinois, and Washington, D.C. attorneys general, comes after a comprehensive joint investigation spanning over two years. The probe shed light on a disturbing pattern of abuse, discrimination, and a profound lack of player support within the league, as highlighted by D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb.
During this investigation, a troubling culture of misconduct emerged, exposing a league-wide failure to protect its players from various forms of abuse. Players were subjected to egregious acts of harassment, discrimination based on race, religion, and sexuality, as well as maltreatment by coaching staff. New York Attorney General Letitia James emphasized that these incidents were not isolated occurrences but were deeply ingrained in the league’s structure, facilitated by a systemic failure to safeguard its athletes.
One of the key failures highlighted was the NWSL’s negligence in conducting thorough background checks on coaches during the hiring process. Subsequently, when reports of misconduct surfaced, the league failed to take appropriate action, allowing coaches with a history of abuse to be rehired by other teams within the league. This lack of accountability perpetuated a toxic environment where players felt silenced and vulnerable.
One striking example cited by James involved former Gotham FC head coach Christy Holly, who was dismissed amid allegations of sexual misconduct in 2017. Shockingly, Holly was later hired by Racing Louisville, despite the league’s knowledge of his troubling past. This failure to intervene allowed the cycle of abuse to continue unchecked, as Holly went on to exploit his position of power, engaging in harassment and coercion of players.
The repercussions of these actions reverberated throughout the league, resulting in the resignation of former NWSL commissioner Lisa Baird and the removal of five head coaches from their positions. In a swift response to the crisis, four coaches, including Holly, received lifetime bans from the league, signaling a decisive stance against such misconduct.
In the wake of these revelations, multiple investigations were conducted by US Soccer and US Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates, underscoring the severity of the situation. As a result, the NWSL and its players’ association embarked on an internal review to address the systemic issues that had plagued the league. The findings prompted a comprehensive overhaul of league policies, with a particular focus on enhancing the screening process for all staff hires.
The gravity of the situation prompted a collective effort to rectify past wrongs and protect the integrity of women in sports. Attorney General Letitia James stressed the importance of learning from past mistakes to prevent similar transgressions in the future. Today signifies a crucial step towards accountability, ensuring that players receive the compensation they deserve and that the league remains committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment.
As the NWSL embarks on this journey of reform and renewal, it stands as a testament to the resilience and courage of the women who bravely spoke out against injustice. Their voices have sparked a transformative shift within the league, setting a precedent for the protection and empowerment of players in the realm of professional sports. The legacy of this pivotal moment will serve as a beacon of hope for future generations, inspiring a legacy of accountability and progress in women’s soccer.
