With the surmounting backlash from fans and sponsors, Merritt Paulson stepped down as CEO of two Portland soccer clubs. Follow for more soccer match news here!
Last October 5, 2022, Merritt Paulson released a public statement over his mishandling of the team and for a role in a gross systematic failure to protect player safety. He cited that he will remove himself from all Thorns-related decision making as Gavin Wilkinson and Mike Golub will also step aside until the NWSL/NWSLPA Joint Investigation is released. Visit us for more soccer uniforms updates for the World Cup here!
“Given the Thorns are about to enter the NWSL Playoffs, I have told the NWSL that I will be removing myself effective today from all Thorns-related decision making until the NWSL/NWSLPA Joint Investigation, which we are fully cooperating with, is released. Gavin Wilkinson and Mike Golub will also step aside. All Thorns-related decisions will now be handled by Heather Davis, Thorns General Counsel.”
Paulson apologizes to players, the organization, and to the community, stating that “our organization’s failures and mistakes were ultimately my responsibility.”
Despite Paulson stepping down as a CEO, he still maintains the ownership stake in PTFC. Only his involvement in day-to-day operations and operational decisions for both clubs will be cut-off. For now, the interim president will temporarily be on General Counsel Heather Davis. Sarah Keane, Davis’ Chief Operating Officer appointee, will lead the search for a permanent CEO. As an action to involve the Timer players, they will meet their final CEO candidates. According to a trusted news outlet, Davi and Keanes will be appointed in making operational decisions at PTFC.
NWSL Abuse Allegations
After Merritt Paulson stepping down as a CEO of Portland Thorns and Timbers after a series of abuses such as sexual abuse and players’ security. In his statement released from Yates, he clearly holds the accountability of mismanagements and missteps he committed since he purchased the team in 2015.
“The Portland Thorns were created to be a beacon of what is possible in women’s sports. A successful team is built on trust, equality, and accountability, and today I am holding myself accountable for not doing enough.’
Although Paulson already stepped down as a CEO, for the fans of both the Thorns and Timbers was not enough to pay for the damages he committed to the organization as long as he (Paulson) holds the ownership rights.
“While the personnel changes announced in the past few days are an important step in the right direction, as long as Merritt Paulson is an owner with a financial stake in the club, he is still in a position of power and control,” stated by the 107IST, the governing body of Timbers Army and Rose City Riveters. “We continue to call for the sale of both teams…”
“It is devastating to me that my goal of creating the shining example of what a women’s sports team could be, has now become synonymous with abhorrent and predatory behavior,” Paulson said. “Part of me holding myself accountable is recognizing that someone else needs to take the reins of the organization and operational decision-making.”
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