Storm Being Investigated for Alleged Player Mistreatment

Report: Source says NWSL probing alleged abuse of players by Paul Riley

Riley, one of NWSL's most successful coaches, was fired by the North Carolina Courage on Thursday.

The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) is investigating allegations of player mistreatment by Paul Riley, a source told ESPN on Friday.

Riley, one of the NWSL's most successful coaches, was fired by the North Carolina Courage on Thursday after The Athletic reported that he had allegedly made unwanted sexual advances toward multiple players over the past decade.

The NWSL said in a statement Thursday that it was "aware of the allegations" against Riley and that it was "taking them very seriously."

The league said it would conduct a full investigation into the allegations and that it would take "appropriate action" if they were found to be true.

Riley has denied the allegations. In a statement released through his attorney, he said he was "shocked and saddened" by the claims and that he "categorically denied" them.

The allegations against Riley have sent shockwaves through the NWSL, which has been plagued by allegations of sexual misconduct in recent years.

In 2015, the league suspended and fined former Washington Spirit coach Richie Burke after he was accused of making unwanted sexual advances toward a player.

In 2017, the league fired former Portland Thorns coach Paul Riley after he was accused of sexual coercion by a former player.

The NWSL has since implemented a new anti-harassment policy and hired a new commissioner, Lisa Baird, in an effort to address the issue of sexual misconduct in the league.

The allegations against Riley are a reminder that the NWSL still has a long way to go in terms of addressing the issue of sexual misconduct.

The league needs to do more to investigate allegations of misconduct, support victims, and hold perpetrators accountable.

Only then can the NWSL create a safe and equitable environment for all players.