CNN
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Amanda Cromwell, head coach of the Orlando Pride women’s soccer team, and Sam Greene, first assistant coach, were fired for taking “retaliatory action” against players they believed had made or aided allegations of misconduct against them, the National Women’s said Soccer League (NWSL) on Monday with .
This comes just a week after a bombastic independent report found systematic abuse and misconduct in women’s professional soccer in the United States, including a failure by the NWSL under the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) to provide a safe environment for players.
In March, an investigation was launched by Orlando Pride’s attorney into allegations of verbal abuse and improper player favoritism by Cromwell and allegations of improper player favoritism by Greene, the NWSL said.
The investigation resulted in a written warning for both coaches, the NWSL said in a summary of the investigation.
In May, the joint Investigation Team of the League and its Players’ Association (NWSLPA) received reports that Cromwell and Greene were retaliating against players they suspected of initiating, participating in and supporting the original investigation.
A second investigation by the NWSL/NWSLPA joint investigative team found that Cromwell and Greene behaved in a manner that “discouraged reporting and fueled a general fear of retaliation,” including attempting to forego or ban players swap, the league said in a statement Monday.
The league has terminated their contracts effective immediately, according to Orlando Pride chairman Mark Wilf.
The league and players’ association investigation also revealed that goalkeeping coach Aline Reis did not fully cooperate with the investigation and “pressured players to share positive information with investigators”.
Meanwhile, the entire Pride organization will undergo mandatory training on retaliation, discrimination, harassment and bullying, the NWSL added.
Cromwell, Greene, Reis and assistant trainer Michelle Akers made complaints that they were subjected to various forms of wrongdoing – allegations a third-party investigator found were “baseless,” the NWSL added.
Cromwell answered to the news, calling the investigation “biased and incomplete” and adding that its “character and integrity have been mischaracterized.”
“There is no doubt that there has been a culture of abuse within the NWSL. I recognize the importance of due process and the need for the NWSL to investigate all claims.
“However, the abusive behavior in the NWSL goes beyond the players. All the women on my coaching staff have raised serious concerns about the work environment and I will look into all legal options,” she said.
Cromwell and Greene are not authorized to serve in any capacity within the NWSL unless or until approved by the Commissioner.
Reis has been placed on unpaid administrative leave pending completion of a series of reinstatement steps, the NWSL said. CNN has reached out to Reis and Greene for comment.