Washington Spirit Coach Richie Burke Was Fired After An Investigation Into Abuse

The former head coach of the Washington Spirit was fired by the National Women's Soccer League following an investigation into allegations of harassment and a toxic work culture. Other team representatives were also suspended from roles within the league.

"After considering the substance of the report, and taking into account prior actions of the Spirit, the NWSL's board of governors has determined that the Spirit and its ownership have failed to act in the best interests of the League," the NWSL said in its statement Tuesday.

The termination of former head coach Richie Burke follows weeks of reports by The Washington Post that alleged he was responsible for creating a toxic work culture for female employees.

The NWSL doesn't mention Burke by name in its statement, but rather says the "Washington Spirit's head coach has been terminated for cause."

The league opened an investigation into Burke and the team, which is based in the Washington, D.C. area, following an August report by The Washington Post. That report highlighted how Burke crafted a toxic and abusive environment in the team that drove players to leave in the middle of the season.

https://www.npr.org/2021/09/29/1041397913/nwsl-washington-spirit-richie-burke-fired