Former Red Stars coach Rory Dames was among four coaches who have been banned from the NWSL for life, the league announced Monday.
The decision was part of the corrective action the NWSL took in response to the findings in a joint investigative report commissioned by the league and its players’ union after reports in 2021 detailing allegations of sexual harassment and coercion, as well as other allegations of misconduct.
The report, the result of an investigation by the NWSL and NWSL Players Association, found ‘‘widespread misconduct’’ directed at players dating to the league’s inception. The report followed the release of U.S. Soccer’s report on a separate investigation by former acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Q. Yates. Yates’ report found that emotional abuse and sexual misconduct were systemic in the league, affecting multiple teams, coaches and players.
In both reports, the Red Stars organization, including ousted owner Arnim Whisler and Dames, was named specifically. Dames was found to have been emotionally and verbally abusive toward players dating to 2014. Reports by players, specifically U.S. women’s national team star Christen Press, were found to have been mishandled and largely ignored by U.S. Soccer, the NWSL and Whisler.
The joint investigation by the league and union yielded recommendations on structural reforms to improve the NWSL’s policies and practices. Discipline was left to the discretion of the league.
Commissioner Jessica Berman imposed lifetime bans on certain coaches named in both reports, as well as suspensions, fines and conditions certain individuals must meet to return to work in the league.
‘‘The league will continue to prioritize implementing and enhancing the policies, programs and systems that put the health and safety of our players first,’’ Berman said in a statement. ‘‘Those actions are fundamental to the future of our league, especially as we build a league that strengthens our players’ ability to succeed and prosper on and off the pitch.’’
Paul Riley, Christy Holly and Richie Burke were the other three coaches permanently banned from the league.
The financial penalties handed down included a $1.5 million fine to the Red Stars, $1 million to the Portland Thorns, $200,000 to Racing Louisville and $100,000 to the North Carolina Courage. OL Reign was fined $50,000 and Gotham FC $50,000.
The NWSL also said it is working with Whisler to ‘‘ensure that the [Red Stars are] transferred in an expeditious and appropriate manner.’’
Whisler formally announced he had begun the process of selling his stake in the club Dec. 1 after being urged by the board of directors and the entire Red Stars roster to do so.
NOTE: The Red Stars promoted Michelle Lomnicki to general manager after she served as their associate GM for the 2022 season. In her first move as GM, Lomnicki signed midfielder Addie McCain, who was the 17th overall pick in the 2021 NWSL Draft. Lomnicki played for the Red Stars in 2009 and in 2011-15.
