Second NWSL abuse report covers Clarkson, LaHue, Pauw, Riley

A second investigation into systemic abuse in the National Women’s Soccer League was released Wednesday, providing further details of how the league, its clubs and the U.S. Soccer Federation failed to protect players and allowed misconduct to run rampant throughout the 10-year-old league.

– NWSL investigation finds ‘ongoing misconduct,’ details culture of abuse

Wednesday’s report, which was jointly commissioned by the NWSL and the NWSL Players Association, comes just over two months after former U.S. deputy attorney general Sally Yates released her report, which was commissioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation. Whereas Yates’ report focused on three major storylines and perpetrators, the NWSL/NWSLPA joint investigation looked further, scrutinizing each of the 12 current NWSL teams, as well as historic complaints in the league.

“Misconduct against players has occurred at the vast majority of NWSL clubs at various times from the earliest years of the league to the present,” the report states, referencing instances of inappropriate sexual remarks to players by staff in positions of power, blurred professional boundaries, and manipulation.

Here are the larger questions and contents of the report.

What is this investigation, and how is it different from the Yates report?

The latest investigation (“the joint investigation”) acknowledges and reiterates the Yates report’s detailing of misconduct by former Portland Thorns, Western New York Flash and North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley; former Washington Spirit coach Richie Burke; and former Sky Blue FC and Racing Louisville coach Christy Holly. It also provides new information around the suspensions and firings of several coaches and general managers and recommends how the league…