The NWSL has launched an investigation into the former head coach of the Houston Dash's next opponent, the Washington Spirit, whom they are scheduled to play this weekend. Head coach Richie Burke was suspended from the club today after an explosive story was published by The Washington Post this morning alleging that he was verbally and emotionally abusive towards players. The Washington Spirit is also investigating the allegations.
A whirlwind 24 hours saw the Spirit announce on Tuesday that Burke would be stepping back from his role as head coach to join the front office staff due to “health reasons." But 12 hours later, sources told The Athletic that Burke had in fact been fired by the organization.
On Wednesday morning, The Washington Post published a story detailing allegations of verbal and emotional abuse that players had experienced under Burke.
“He made me hate soccer,” ex-Spirit player Kaiya McMcCullough told the Washington Post. “I was so scared to mess up and be yelled at. It crippled my performance, and it made me super anxious.”
— Kai (@hiyakaiya) August 11, 2021
The Washington Spirit owner Steven Baldwin released a statement that does not mention any “health reasons” or provide any other explanation for Burke’s departure or reassignment within the front office:
“On the heels of our announcement yesterday that Coach Burke was resigning, a Washington Post reporter contacted the Spirit with allegations of mistreatment–verbal and emotional abuse leveled at players–by Coach Burke. We take these allegations very seriously and are undertaking an immediate investigation. Burke has been suspended pending the investigation and is prohibited from contacting players and staff and our facilities. We, as a team, will not tolerate any situation for our players and staff that is less than professional. Our athletes, and all of those who support them, deserve the absolute best.”
Statement from Steve Baldwin
— Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) August 11, 2021
"The league was not involved in the statement in Burke's initial stepping down and I am not going to comment on anyone's medical condition," she said.
This is not the first report of Burke's mistreatment of players. Stories from the families of players from Burke's previous coaching jobs in the youth ranks first began to emerge soon after he was appointed the head coach of the Spirit in December of 2018.
Baird spoke to the league's vetting process in the press conference.
"I can speak to an enormous amount of work with ownership to put into place vetting processes for staff and owners that we want to have at the highest standard. As you know we put into place a anti-harassment policy," she said.
Baird confirmed that a third-party, outside of the league and Spirit, would be leading the investigation into the claims against Burke.
The Houston Dash are scheduled to play the Washington Spirit this Friday, August 13 at BBVA Stadium.