Thorns fire pair of executives, Racing Louisville president apologizes following NWSL abuse report

The Portland Thorns have dismissed a pair of team executives in the wake of an investigation into misconduct in the National Women's Soccer League.

The Thorns' move Wednesday came a day after owner Merritt Paulson removed himself from a decision-making role with the team.

Chicago Red Stars owner Arnim Whisler also stepped back from his role.

Meanwhile, Racing Louisville President James O'Connor apologized to fans and a former player who came forward with allegations of sexual abuse.

Five of 10 NWSL coaches either were fired or stepped down last season amid allegations of misconduct. Among them was former Thorns and North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley, who was accused by former players Mana Shim and Sinead Farrelly of sexual coercion and harassment dating back a decade. Riley has denied the allegations.

Yates' report focused on three former coaches: Riley, Louisville's Christy Holly and Chicago's Rory Dames. Not only did the investigation find misconduct by all three, it also said their teams did not fully cooperate.

Thorns executives Gavin Wilkinson and Mike Golub were both relived of their duties Wednesday. The two were also dismissed from Paulson's other team, Major League Soccer's Portland Timbers.

Riley was coach of the Thorns in 2014 and 2015. His alleged misconduct was investigated by the team, which opted not to renew his contract but did not publicly reveal the reason for the decision.

Yates wrote that Thorns management "interfered with our access to relevant witnesses and raised specious legal arguments in an attempt to impede our use of relevant documents." The investigation also found inappropriate workplace comments made by team executives.

Riley went on to coach the Western New York Flash, which