The Past Isn’t Done With The NWSL
Apr 24, 2022; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Dash head coach James Clarkson looks on during the second half against Racing Louisville FC at PNC Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
On Tuesday evening, United States (US) National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) fans saw an announcement they, unfortunately, have come to know too well in the past year.
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Houston Dash manager James Clarkson has been suspended, effective immediately.
The NWSL and NWSL Players Association recommended the suspension in light of initial findings from the joint investigation they launched last year.
The Dash will name an interim manager later this week before they open their regular season at home against the San Diego Wave on Sunday.
Clarkson’s suspension comes as part of the step-back protocol requested by the NWSLPA in 2021.
Clarkson’s suspension comes as part of the step-back protocol requested by the NWSLPA in 2021.
The protocol calls for a person being investigated for violations of the league’s Policy to Prevent and Eliminate Workplace Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying to be immediately suspended, with the final ruling on their employment to be made at the end of the investigation.
This investigation, part of the league-wide initiative in the wake of multiple abuse scandals last season, has been ongoing since October 2021.
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New commissioner Jessica Berman made a statement, as did NWSLPA Executive Director Meghann Burke.
“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,” Berman said.
“Players made a promise to ourselves and future generations to transform our League — not through words, but with our actions,” echoed Burke.
“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.”
Meanwhile…
Clarkson is the longest-tenured coach in the league, and the only one left from the 2021 season kickoff.
Details of the findings have not been shared, but it’s clear that in order to commit to the future, the NWSL has to keep a sharp eye on its past in the present.
This is the hard work of systemic change, and likely not the last domino to fall from the league’s investigative proceedings.
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