Houston Dash has shelved team head coach James Clarkson on the recommendation of the U.S. Women’s Football League and League Players Association.
The Houston Dash football team has been shelved by head coach / GM James Clarkson after the club received a report on discrimination, harassment, and exploitation from a joint investigation by the U.S. Women’s Football League (NWSL) and the League Players Association (NWSLPA).
Both the league and the players ’association recommended shelving. The club said it would make a final decision once the investigation, which began in October, is completed.
Clarkson’s shelving is the latest case in the NWSL regarding discrimination and harassment. In 2021, several coaches were either fired or fired for exploitation or harassment. In addition to the coaches, the CEO of NY / NJ Gotham FC has also been fired.
Coach of the Red Stars Rory Dames Dames resigned in November when The Washington Post said several players said Dames was mentally violent.
After The Athletic’s case, many players criticized the NWSL’s performance in October as well as the commissioner Lisa Baird that advisor Lisa Levine left office. Baird was only 19 months in office. The league appointed a new commissioner in March Jessica Bermaninwho started work a week ago.
Berman has thanked the team for their prompt action and the CEO of NWSLPA Meghann Burke believes that the research currently underway is carrying out systematic work of change.
– The players have promised themselves and future generations to change our league – not in words, but in deeds, Burke said in a statement.
– Our work continues and we thank the players for stepping forward and talking.
– As an organization, our top priority is to create and maintain a safe and respectful work environment for our players and staff. We think that is crucial to our success, the team said in a statement.
Clarkson, 50, was selected as Dash’s coach for the 2019 season. The team’s temporary coach will be announced in the coming days.