By ANNE M. PETERSON and ROB HARRIS
AP Sports Writers
National Women's Soccer League Commissioner Lisa Baird has resigned after some 19 months on the job amid allegations that a former coach engaged in sexual harassment and misconduct.
Baird's resignation was announced by the league late Friday, a day after The Athletic published the accounts of two former players who claimed misconduct, including sexual coercion, by North Carolina coach Paul Riley that went back more than a decade.
Kansas City NWSL’s home match that was scheduled for Saturday against the Houston Dash has been postponed along with all other NWSL matches this weekend.
Statement from KC NWSL ownership, including Angie Long, Chris Long and Brittany Matthews:
“Our players must come first. We are committed to leading by example not just to make the team better, but to make our league better. We are striving to set the standard with player-first actions, but there is still hard work to do to create the culture and league our players deserve.
“In light of the reporting done by The Athletic on Paul Riley, who has since been fired by the North Carolina Courage, and the systemic issues that need to be addressed, our immediate focus is on providing any support our players need, and ensuring we have player-first processes and policies. Stepping away from matches this weekend is the right thing to do for our players and our staff.”