Portland Thorns fire two executives after sexual abuse claims against ex-coach Paul Riley

Portland Thorns president of soccer Gavin Wilkinson and president of business Mike Golub have been fired, the women’s soccer team announced Wednesday following the bombshell report on abuse in the NWSL. 

The US Soccer Federation’s independent investigation detailed allegations of sexual harassment made against ex-coach Paul Riley, who managed the Thorns through the 2014-15 season.

Following the release of the report on Monday,  Thorns owner Merritt Paulson has announced that he’ll be stepping away from team operations Tuesday.  

Wilkinson and Golub have now been fired from the NWSL club and have also been relieved of their same roles with Portland’s MLS club, the Portland Timbers.

The club’s statement read: ‘Portland Timbers and Thorns FC announced that president of soccer Gavin Wilkinson and president of business Mike Golub have been relieved of their duties with both clubs, effective today.

‘Pursuant to yesterday’s news that Merritt Paulson would step aside on Thorns related decision making, general counsel Heather Davis has been named interim president of Peregrine Sports, overseeing business operations for both the Timbers and Thorns.

‘Ned Grabavoy will remain as technical director and lead Timbers soccer operations, while Thorns GM Karina LeBlanc will continue in her role leading Thorns soccer operations.’

More to follow.