Ex-Thorns Coach Paul Riley Loses Job Over Sex Coercion Allegation

PORTLAND, OR —Former Portland Thorns coach Paul Riley has lost his job as head coach of the North Carolina Courage after a report in The Athletic detailed charges of sexual coercion from former players.

"In light of today's reports, the North Carolina Courage have terminated Head Coach Paul Riley effective immediately," the Courage said in a statement. The team "is united together in our commitment to creating a safe, positive, and respectful environment."

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The Athletic report included sexual coercion allegations against Riley from players on his teams going back to 2010. Riley told The Athletic that he never made sexual advances toward any player.

The article refers to an incident when Riley was coaching the Thorns and invited two players back to his apartment where, after serving them alcohol, "pressured the two teammates to kiss so the team wouldn't have to run a suicide mile drill that week."

A spokeswoman for the Thorns tells Patch that after the team heard allegations from a player, they hired a law firm to investigate. That probe found that while there had been no criminal activity, Riley violated team policies.

"Based on this, we chose to sever ties with Riley," the team said.

The results of the investigation were shared with the National Women's Soccer League. It's not clear if the Courage had been made aware of the investigation before he was hired.

The league has not responded to a request for clarification.