At least three new cases of abuse have emerged since the release of a damning report into misconduct within the National Women’s Soccer League. Announced Monday, the 172-page report investigated past sexual abuse and misconduct between three different coaches in the league.
However, it seems that the previous report will be just the tip of the iceberg on the subject. Speaking to CNN, US Soccer Federation President Cindy Parlow Cone said more victims are coming forward.
More NWSL Misconduct Cases
“One of the best things to come out of this report is that it’s encouraging more people to come forward,” said Parlow Cone. “It just points out how systemic this was and how there was a lack of processes and I’m really excited now that we have the recommendations.”
“I’ve wanted to act for so long, but I didn’t want to do something just to say we were doing something. I wanted it to be meaningful and really have an impact and change this culture.”
Parlow Cone also previously reported a sexual harassment issue when she was coach of the Portland Thorns. The former USWNT star racked up more than 150 total appearances for the national team. After retiring as a player, she worked as a coach for the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and the Thorns.
In the interview with CNN, Parlow Cone also stated that these misconduct issues go far beyond the NWSL. “Society also needs to change and evolve, and make it safer for women to come forward to complain about this in the workplace or on a team,” she Parlow Cone said.
“This is going to be a long process. It’s not going to be a quick fix.”
Photo Credit: IMAGO/Icon Sportswire
