Among the findings of an independent investigation into the National Women’s Soccer League released Monday, Portland Thorns owner Merritt Paulson is one of the league figures who helped enable systemic emotional abuse and sexual misconduct.
According to the report, which was led by former acting U.S. attorney general Sally Q. Yates and the law firm King & Spalding, Paulson helped cover up accounts of sexual abuse and coercion regarding former Thorns coach Paul Riley, who was fired by the North Carolina Courage in September 2021 when the news became public.
On Tuesday, Paulson announced he will be stepping back from the Thorns organization following the NWSL report.