Portland Thorns head trainer Rhian Wilkinson has resigned from his put up following an investigation into his behavior.
The former Canada global mentioned she had reported herself to the Thorns closing season, and the membership then handed the guidelines directly to the National Women’s Soccer League. Wilkinson mentioned that she and one in all her gamers had advanced “feelings for each other” however the courting went no additional. The NSWL and the league’s Players’ Association then investigated the topic.
“In an effort to follow NWSL and NWSLPA processes to protect player safety, and to be as transparent as possible, the player and I immediately stopped spending time outside of training together, and soon after stopped all communication outside of work,” Wilkinson wrote in a commentary. “In less than a week, I reported myself to human resources to make sure I had not crossed any ethical lines.”
The investigation exonerated Wilkinson of any wrongdoing however she has nonetheless selected to step down.
“The Portland Thorns and Coach Wilkinson followed all League procedures and policies and fully cooperated with this investigation,” NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman mentioned in a commentary. “The joint investigative team conducted a thorough investigation that resulted in a finding of no violation of League policies.”
However, Wilkinson mentioned that her gamers had misplaced religion in her. “Once you’ve lost the locker room, which I have, there’s no return,” she advised The Athletic.
Wilkinson’s resignation comes at a tumultuous time for the NWSL after a file discovered that sexual and emotional abuse was once well-liked around the league. Former Thorns trainer Paul Riley was once accused of sexual misconduct through a number of gamers. On Thursday, Thorns proprietor Merritt Paulson mentioned he’s striking the membership up on the market.
Wilkinson was once a a success trainer at the box: she led the Thorns to the NWSL identify in October. She gained 181 caps and two Olympic bronze medals as a participant with Canada.
“I would like to thank the Portland Thorns organization, the fans, the staff and most importantly the players for a remarkable year,” Wilkinson wrote in her commentary on Friday. “During my time in Portland I have met some incredible people and been fortunate enough to coach some of the best players in the game.”
