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Heather Hensman Kettrey, Assistant Professor of Sociology, Clemson University

Abuse in women's professional soccer was an 'open secret' – the 'bystander effect' and structural barriers prevented more players from speaking out

Fans of the Portland Thorns hold protest signs during a game in 2021. AP Photo/Steve Dipaola

An investigation has found that widespread abuse of players in U.S. women’s professional soccer existed despite some of the behavior of coaches being “an open secret.”

Based on more than 200 interviews, the report – led by former acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates – highlighted systemic verbal and emotional abuse against players, and sexual misconduct by coaches.

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