CHICAGO (APRIL 26, 2022)

– The NWSL and NWSLPA Joint Investigative Team has recommended that Houston Dash General Manager and Head Coach James Clarkson be suspended immediately pending the conclusion of an investigation into alleged violations of the NWSL Policy to Prevent and Eliminate Workplace Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying. The Dash have accepted the Joint Investigative Team’s recommendation.

CHICAGO (APRIL 26, 2022) – The NWSL and NWSLPA Joint Investigative Team has recommended that Houston Dash General Manager and Head Coach James Clarkson be suspended immediately pending the conclusion of an investigation into alleged violations of the NWSL Policy to Prevent and Eliminate Workplace Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying. The Dash have accepted the Joint Investigative Team’s recommendation.

This suspension was recommended by the NWSL-NWSLPA Joint Investigative Team in connection with its ongoing investigation into discrimination, harassment, abuse, and bullying within the League, which began in October 2021. Since that time, the Joint Investigative Team, comprised of external investigators from the law firms Covington & Burling and Weil, Gotshal & Manges, has been working together to investigate allegations of workplace misconduct toward NWSL players, as well as systemic issues in the League that impact the prevention, detection, and response to misconduct. During this process, and in consultation with the Joint Investigative Team, the League expanded player protections in the NWSL Policy to Prevent and Eliminate Workplace Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying, which is available HERE. “As it relates to this particular situation, I want to thank the individuals who brought their concerns to the Joint Investigative Team, as well as Ted Segal, Jessica O’Neill and the Dash organization for taking swift action, and for their cooperation with the Joint Investigative Team’s recommendation,” said NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman. “I want to thank the players and staff throughout the league who have participated in the overall investigation thus far, and assure them, as well as our fans and partners, that we will deliver on our promise to create a workplace where players and staff are empowered to succeed in a healthy and safe environment.” “Players made a promise to ourselves and future generations to transform our League – not through words, but with our actions,” said NWSLPA Executive Director Meghann Burke. “This shows that our joint investigation is doing the work of systemic transformation. The work continues, and we commend Players for speaking up and speaking out.” The joint investigation remains ongoing, and the NWSL and NWSLPA encourage current and former players and staff with information relating to discrimination, harassment, abuse, or bullying within the League, whether in connection with this incident or other issues, to contact NWSL_Investigation@cov.com, to reach out to the NWSL or NWSLPA directly, or to follow any of the reporting avenues in the Policy.