National Women’s Soccer League– Alleged Abuse From Former Coaches Paul Riley and Richie Burke

The law firm of Chimicles Schwartz is investigating a potential lawsuit related to reports that Paul Riley, the former coach of the North Carolina Courage, engaged in sexual abuse with one or more of his players.  According to a report from The Athletic, former players have accused Riley of engaging in sexual coercion and other inappropriate behavior and abuse. Riley’s alleged misconduct had allegedly been reported to at least one of the teams in the National Women’s Soccer League (the Portland Thorns) and was later escalated to the NWSL. On October 1, 2021, Riley was fired by the North Carolina Courage for “very serious allegations of misconduct.” The NWSL also reportedly terminated commissioner Lisa Baird and general counsel Lisa Levine in connection with these allegations.

Riley’s firing was just days after reports of former Washington Spirit Coach Richie Burke’s termination for alleged verbal and emotional abuse.  As reported by the New York Times, a third coach, Christy Holly, was fired by the Racing Louisville “for cause” in August without revealing the reasons that led to her dismissal.

If you were subject to physical, verbal, or emotional abuse or sexually inappropriate conduct by Paul Riley or by Richie Burke, please contact us to speak confidentially with an attorney.