sport news Portland Thorns owner Merritt Paulson announces he's selling the team, but not ... trends now
In an announcement published Thursday, Portland Thorns FC owner Merritt Paulson said he would be selling his stake in the NWSL club.
This comes after an investigation published in The Athletic last year into the behavior of former Thorns coach Paul Riley. That report found that Riley had sexually coerced and verbally abused players - including during his time in Portland.
An independent investigation of the league and the Thorns led by former US Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates was commissioned by the US Soccer Federation and the report of the findings was released in October.
It found Paulson and Thorns GM Gavin Wilkinson advised clubs to hire Riley after he left Portland. It also found Paulson and Wilkinson attempted to diminish the severity of the allegations of abuse.
Merrit Paulson, owner of MLS club Portland Timbers FC and NWSL club Portland Thorns FC announced Thursday that he would be selling the Thorns after repeated calls to sell the team
The Portland Thorns - who won the 2022 NWSL title - have been owned by Paulson since 2013
Paulson's statement began with him saying the Thorns 'are special' and that 'they mean a lot to me'.
'The past year has been a challenging one for our Club and our players,' Paulson's statement read. 'I regret the role our organization played in the failures identified by the investigations. Despite these challenges, the Portland Thorns have a bright future ahead and a lot left to accomplish.
'To fully realize that potential, I believe it is in best interest of the Thorns to have a new owner so that the Club can operate at the league level with a fresh voice to be a driving force for the NWSL.
'This has been a difficult decision for me, but I believe this is the best way to position the Thorns for continued success during this next chapter of the NWSL and the sport.'
Paulson (R) and former GM Gavin Wilkinson (L) played major roles in the coverup of abuse by former coach Paul Riley, downplaying the accusations and encouraging other clubs to hire him
Further in the statement, Paulson stated that this decision to would not change his ownership of the Portland Timbers of MLS.
'An ownership change with the Thorns will not impact Peregrine Sports’ ownership of the Timbers, and we will be a key partner to the new Thorns ownership group, as we believe the team should continue to call Providence Park its home,' Paulson said.
'I am fully committed to doing all that is necessary to ensure a smooth transition and the continued success of the Thorns, including providing favorable usage terms for Providence Park that will enable the Thorns to continue to capitalize on their popularity in Portland.
Paulson downplayed multiple reports of Riley's abusive behavior, saying 'I have a lot of affection for him'
'Additionally, in evaluating the new owner we want to be certain that our ongoing efforts to secure a top-flight training facility continues for the team.'
Paulson concluded his statement by pledging $1 million to 'establishing a NWSL Player Safety Office' - saying he's 'proud to seed the founding capital for the project.'
'I’m so proud of what the Portland Thorns have accomplished. I’ve had the honor to work alongside these incredible athletes as
