NWSL places coaches on leave pending investigation

The National Women’s Soccer League placed two coaches on temporary administrative leave this week as they are being investigated by the league and the NWSL Players’ Association, The Athletic reported.

Orlando Pride head coach Amanda Cromwell and first assistant coach Sam Greene were also placed on leave by the organization on Tuesday as the league investigates reports of retaliation that go against the NWSL Policy to Prevent and Eliminate Workplace Discrimination Harassment, and Bullying.

As CBS Sports summarizes, the joint investigation is league-wide and has been going on since October of last year following several reports from players, both past and current, about unsafe playing environments. Cromwell and Greene are the latest coaches to be placed on leave in light of the investigation.

“This is an interim step while the investigation is ongoing, and no final determinations or conclusions have been reached,” the NWSL said on its website, saying the league recommended to the Pride the two coaches be placed on leave.

“The recommendation comes as part of the broader ongoing investigation that began in October 2021 to explore allegations of workplace misconduct toward NWSL players, as well as systemic issues in the league that impact the prevention, detection, and response to misconduct,” the league explained.

Cromwell was hired as the Pride head coach in December 2021 after 25 years of coaching at the collegiate level. She spent the last stretch coaching at UCLA, where she also worked with Greene. 

Assistant coach Seb Hines will take over as interim head coach during the leave. The league also froze the team’s ability to make roster moves while the investigation is going on.

“Providing a respectful environment and adhering to all league policies are of the utmost priority for the Pride,” the Pride said in a release. “The club is committed to fully cooperating with the joint investigative team through the conclusion of this process. As this is an ongoing investigation, the club will have no further comment at this time.”