The National Women’s Soccer League 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, it was revealed on Tuesday night.

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,” NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman said in a statement. “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.”

Added NWSLPA executive director Meghann Burke: “Players made a promise to ourselves and future generations to transform our League – not through words, but with our actions. 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 [email protected], to reach out to the NWSL or NWSLPA directly, or to follow any of the reporting avenues in the policy.

 

 

FrontRowSoccer.com editor Michael Lewis has written a new book, ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. You can learn more about it or purchase it here:

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Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.