Report finds Arnim Whisler refused to accept Rory Dames resignation following claims of abuse in 2014.
NWSL owners and executives knew emotional and sexual abuse permeated the league and they did nothing, an independent investigation found.
The investigation was conducted by former U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates and yielded a scathing 319-page report, released Monday, detailing the utter failings of the league and certain team owners, including the Red Stars’ Arnim Whisler, to protect players.
In Chicago, accusations of emotional and verbal abuse at the hands of former coach Rory Dames dating back to 2014 were repeatedly dismissed by Whisler. Less than 24 hours before a report was published by the last November detailing claims of abuse by Dames, Whisler allowed him to resign.
Three months later, when Whisler spoke to the media for the first time since the Post’s report, he claimed that the decision was made in consideration of the players. He also claimed that the concerns brought to him by players and staff were not on the level of abuse. Every time he heard a complaint he felt comfortable continuing to employ Dames.
Yates’ report not only negates Whisler’s claims, it released new details of Dames’ abuse including calling Black players thugs and other players who were from Kentucky and Ohio trailer trash. One player who was interviewed recounted an experience when Dames texted her to meet him in his hotel room to receive her per diem funds.
Emotional abuse and sexual misconduct were systemic in NWSL, report says
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When she arrived at his door in the morning wearing a long sleeve t-shirt and pajama shorts, the player said Dames looked her up and down and told her “nice shorts.” Shortly after he texted her saying “I was not joking; you looked really good.
