Houston Dash suspends head coach James Clarkson amid league-wide investigation into claims of misconduct

By Elizabeth Wolfe and Kevin Dotson, CNN

Updated 0446 GMT (1246 HKT) April 27, 2022

Houston Dash announced head coach James Clarkson is suspended effective immediately.

(CNN)Women's professional soccer team Houston Dash suspended its head coach and general manager James Clarkson after reviewing the initial findings of an investigation into league-wide allegations of wrongdoing, the team announced on Twitter Tuesday.

The decision comes at the recommendation of a joint investigative team from the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and NWSL Players Association that is conducting an ongoing investigation into misconduct and policy violations within the league.In October, the NWSL agreed to demands from the NWSLPA to conduct a joint investigation into current or past complaints of discrimination, harassment, abuse or bullying within all 12 NWSL teams. Immediate suspension of «any person in a position of power» under investigation for possible abuse was part of the players' union's demands.Clarkson's suspension is effective immediately and the team said it will name an interim head coach in the coming days. An ultimate decision on his position with the Dash will be made once final results of the investigation are available, the team said.The statement did not give details about any allegations involving Clarkson. CNN has been unable to reach Clarkson or his representatives for comment.National Women's Soccer League players pause mid-match in act of solidarity following allegations of sexual misconductRead MoreClarkson's suspension and the league-wide investigation follows a difficult season for NWSL during which several coaches resigned or were dismissed due to misconduct allegations. Following the firing of North Carolina