Megan Rapinoe backs Becky Sauerbrunn's powerful message about NWSL abuse

Megan Rapinoe has backed Becky Sauerbrunn’s powerful message about the widespread emotional abuse and sexual misconduct in the NWSL.

An independent investigation, which released its findings earlier this week, found evidence of abuse and misconduct spanning multiple teams and coaches. 

It also found that the NWSL and US Soccer failed to put in “basic measures” to safeguard players or “respond appropriately when confronted with player reports and evidence of abuse”.

With the US women’s national team in London for their friendly match against England, Sauerbrunn addressed the investigation’s findings during a press conference.

Sauerbrunn, captain of the USWNT, had prepared a statement for before the press conference began. 

Revealing that her teammates were “horrified and heartbroken and frustrated and exhausted and really, really angry”, she then criticised those who had failed to stop the abuse from taking place. 

“I think for so long this has fallen on the players to demand change,” Sauerbrunn said. “That is because the people in authority and decision-making positions have repeatedly failed to protect us and they have failed to hold themselves and each other accountable. 

“Who are you actually protecting and what values are you upholding? You have failed in your stewardship.

“Every owner and executive and US Soccer official who has repeatedly failed the players and failed to protect the players who have hidden behind legalities and have not participated in these investigations should be gone.

“At the bare minimum, the recommendations that are in the Sally Yates report should be immediately implemented by US Soccer and by the league.”

“The players are not well. We are very angry.” The @USWNT Becky Sauerbrunn ripping