NWSL commissioner out; all games canceled this weekend after sexual misconduct allegations against Courage coach

All National Women's Soccer League matches scheduled for this weekend, including Friday night's NC Courage game, are canceled amid a sexual misconduct scandal involving North Carolina Courage head coach Paul Riley. The home match against Washington Spirit for Friday night at WakeMed Soccer Park will no longer take place, the league said.

On Friday night, the Associated Press reported that Lisa Baird was no longer the commissioner of the NWSL. Baird resigned after being named commissioner in Feb. 2020.

The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) opened an investigation into the scandal on Friday. U.S. Soccer is also launching an independent investigation.

Riley was fired Thursday following the National Women's Soccer League Players Association's calls into an investigation that Riley made inappropriate comments toward players spanning over a decade.

"The North Carolina Football Club is united together in our commitment to creating a safe, positive and respectful environment, not only within our club but across the league and our great sport," the club wrote in a statement.

On Friday, the league announced it would not play this weekend after the players union demanded that the "systemic abuse plaguing the NWSL must not be ignored."

An investigative report from The Athletic talked to more than a dozen players from teams Riley coached since 2010. According to the report, there were allegations of sexual coercion and inappropriate comments about players' weight and sexual orientation.

Riley told The Athletic in a series of emails the majority of the allegations are "completely untrue," writing "I have never had sex with, or made sexual advances towards these players." According to The Athletic, Riley said he sometimes socialized with players and occasionally picked up bar tabs, "but I do not take them out drinking."

In a text message sent to WRAL reporter Chris Lovingood on Thursday, Riley said "I have to speak to the legal team but I def (sp) want to share my side. It needs to be heard. Right now I have no voice."

Meanwhile, U.S. Soccer suspended Riley's coaching license on Thursday night, calling the reports "deeply disturbing."

In 2015, Riley was fired from the Portland Thorns soccer team, stemming from a player's complaint. Thursday, the Thorns said their investigation found clear violations of company policy and the findings of that investigation were "fully shared with the NWSL league office."​

The players who came forward worked with Riley when coached the Thorns. Twenty two players, many of whom were not named, did contribute to an investigative piece contributed to The Athletic's story.

On Thursday, Baird told WRAL "I was shocked and disgusted to read the new allegations reported in The Athletic this morning." She added the league has a comprehensive anti-harassment/anti-discrimination policy in place.

In a statement posted on Friday, Baird said, "Recognizing that trauma, we have decided not to take the field this weekend to give everyone some space to reflect." She also said she takes full responsibilty for the role she played to perpetuate the abuse.

Players and staff are encouraged to report any inappropriate behavior, according to the statement, in accordance with National Women's Soccer League policy.

Sean Nahas was named interim head coach for the remainder of the season. On Friday, Nahas tweeted a message to the fans, noting "it is important for the players to take the necessary means to process their thoughts and feelings at this time."

Sara Toussaint, a co-owner of the Courage, tweeted that she was "shocked, disgusted, disappointed, embarrassed & livid" by the news.

"It's unfortunate that it's affected the Courage and it's affected a coach that a lot of people look up to," said Joe Ovies with 99.9 The Fan. "The long-term damage is if nothing's done. The long-term damage is if you tried to just bury this particular thing or you don't believe the women who are accusing Paul Riley of these accusations. That's where damage is ultimately done - inaction."

According to the NWSLPA, the group has reached out to Lighthouse Services, Inc., to provide all players access to an anonymous hotline so they can report abuse without fear of retaliation.

"Words cannot adequately capture our anger, pain, sadness and disappointment," a statement read.

Riley has been with the Courage since 2017, leading the team to two championship wins. He was the NWSL Coach of the Year in 2017 and 2018.