By Daily Sports on October 2, 2021

NWSL games will not go on as planned over the weekend. NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) is a professional women’s soccer league at the top of the United States league system.

The league postponed games to “give everyone some space to reflect” after North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley was fired due to allegations of sexual coercion.

NWSL Commissioner Lisa Baird released a statement Friday announcing the news. Baird took responsibility for her role and said the pause will “be the first step” in transforming the culture around the game.

The NWSL announced Friday night that it had accepted Baird’s resignation. The league is now looking for a new commissioner.

A number of players accused Riley of sexual coercion, which dates back to at least 2010. Riley reportedly made a player sit on his lap during a car ride and coerced that player into having sex. He also reportedly forced two players to kiss to prevent their team from running extra laps.

Riley was fired by the North Carolina Courage after those allegations became public Thursday.

Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe criticize Lisa Baird over comments

Following the news, Baird released a statement saying she was “shocked” by the allegations.

USWNT star Alex Morgan called out Baird, sharing emails that reportedly showed an email exchange between Baird and one of the players who accused Riley of sexual coercion. Baird reportedly responded to those emails saying the incident was investigated in 2015, when it was reported, but said she couldn't share details of that investigation.

Megan Rapinoe also took Baird to task, calling her response “beyond disrespectful.”

Rumors of games being postponed broke before NWSL announcement

Rumors that the league would postpone games emerged before Baird’s announcement. The Orlando Pride reportedly did not travel to Chicago ahead of their Saturday match. Pride players went to the airport, but found out about the postponement before they boarded the plane, according to Julia Poe of the Orlando Sentinel.

It’s unclear when – or if – the NWSL will try to reschedule the games that were supposed to be played over the weekend.

FIFA, US Soccer launch investigation

FIFA’s judicial bodies launched an investigation into the allegations against Riley on Friday, according to The Associated Press.

Soccer’s governing body said it is “deeply concerned” over the allegations. (Adapted from a Yahoo! Sport report)

•PHOTO: NWSL Logo

Source Daily Sports

Posted October 2, 2021

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