The Orlando Pride coaches, Amanda Cromwell y Sam Greenewere placed on temporary administrative leave Tuesday by the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the union NWSLPApending an investigation into a violation of the NWSL’s discrimination, harassment and bullying policy for “alleged retaliation.”
The move is part of a larger investigation that began in October 2021 with a look at systemic issues within the NWSL regarding workplace misconduct.
“The recommendation is part of a larger ongoing investigation that began in October 2021 to explore allegations of workplace misconduct toward NWSL players, as well as systemic issues in the league that affect prevention, detection and response to misconduct,” the NWSL and NWSLPA said in a joint news release.
The club appointed assistant coach Seb Hines to serve as interim coach and said they would not comment.
“Providing a respectful environment and adhering to all league policies are of the highest priority to Pride. The club is committed to fully cooperating with the Joint Investigative Team until the conclusion of this process. As this is an ongoing investigation , the club will have no further comment at this time.” the statement said.
Houston Dash Suspends Head Coach and General Manager James Clarkson in April due to an ongoing investigation to “review current and historical complaints of discrimination, harassment and abuse.”
The scrutiny of NWSL coaches was sparked by an issue in 2021 when the North Carolina Courage fired the coach Paul Riley over mounting accusations of sexual misconduct towards his female players when he previously coached the Portland Thorns. The consequences included the resignation of the then NWSL commissioner, Lisa Baird.
The Washington Spirit fired the coach Richie Burke that same month following a Washington Post story that featured accusations that he created an abusive work environment for his players. And the coach of the Chicago Red Stars, Rory Damesresigned in November amid allegations ranging from verbal abuse to jokes regarding players’ ethnicity and religion and improper expectations that players spend time with him beyond practice.
In addition to the joint NWSL and NWSLPA investigation, the US Soccer Federation hired former Acting Attorney General Sally Yates to conduct an independent investigation, which is ongoing.
