‘INCREDIBLY TRAUMATIC’

National Women’s Soccer League Commissioner Resigns After Abuse Claims

NWSL players said the league failed to protect them from predatory coaches, including one who allegedly coerced a member of his team into sex.

The commissioner of the U.S. National Women’s Soccer League resigned Friday night amid frustration among players over allegations of abuse. Lisa Baird said in a statement, “This week, and much of this season, has been incredibly traumatic for our players and staff, and I take full responsibility for the role I have played.” NWSL players gathered for a two-hour videoconference Thursday night to discuss alleged misconduct by male coaches in the league and asked the league to cancel five games scheduled for the weekend, which league leaders did Friday morning. Players said the NWSL should have shielded them from predatory conduct. One player alleges her coach coerced her into sex; he was fired Thursday morning. Another had been fired days prior for allegedly threatening and insulting his players.