March 10 – Fresh from the surprise resignation of head scout, Graeme Abel, due to allegations of abuse while at the University of Oregon, Bay FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has been rocked again by an investigation into the club’s technical staff.
NWSL Commissioner, Jessica Berman, confirmed that the league is looking at the culture created under head coach, Albertin Montoya that has been described as “toxic” by two former Bay FC players. The San Francisco Chronicle reported a formal complaint was filed claiming “bullying” by Montoya.
“A review is underway by an independent third party, and we’re very confident that the system we have in place will ensure that we surface the issues that need to be addressed, and that we’ll continue to work with all of our clubs, our technical staff and our players to make sure that we’re achieving our goal of creating a safe, healthy working environment,” Berman said.
This latest report comes hot on the heels of the $5 million settlement NWSL reached with the attorney generals of New York, Illinois and Washington D.C. to close ongoing investigations and compensate mistreated athletes following a pattern of “systemic” abuse uncovered in 2022.
Berman, who is now in her third year as commissioner comes from a legal background said that complaints being raised are a sign that the new system is working. She said multiple times that these procedures and inquires are “commonplace in most work environments.” She also emphasized that investigations do not equate to assumptions of guilt.
“You want to facilitate an environment where people can come forward without a predetermined conclusion that it means that there’s been a violation, that there’s going to be discipline,” Berman said. “Once you have an environment where people come forward and think that’s the assumption, it actually deters people from raising proactive concerns.”
Berman did not explicitly say whether the results of the investigation would be made public.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1741603738labto1741603738ofdlr1741603738owedi1741603738sni@o1741603738fni1741603738