In its decade of existence, the National Women’s Soccer League has been rocked by widespread allegations of emotional, verbal and sexual abuse. The E60 documentary “Truth Be Told,” which is now available to watch on ESPN+, chronicles some of the most serious allegations of abuse in the NWSL, with a closer look at two of the most notable, involving former Portland Thorns coach Paul Riley and former Washington Spirit coach Richie Burke.
Here, we take you through how these stories unfolded, step by step, based on contemporaneous reporting. In addition, Monday’s 319-page investigative report by former acting U.S. attorney general Sally Yates serves as supporting source material for much of what is alleged to have happened.
In an effort to explain a complicated situation, we have divided the two timelines in order to make them easier to follow, focusing on the facts, actions and notable quotes around each situation.
Jump to: Portland Thorns | Washington Spirit
Dec. 10, 2013
The Portland Thorns announce Paul Riley as their next head coach after coach Cindy Parlow Cone resigns after one season to spend more time with her family.
Jan. 10, 2014
The Houston Dash draft Thorns midfielder Meleana “Mana” Shim in the NWSL expansion draft. Shim tells Riley she wants to stay in Portland, according to her interview with E60.
Jan. 17, 2014
The Thorns trade NWSL college draft picks to keep Shim. “We didn’t want to lose her in the first place,” Riley said. “Since Houston drafted her, our priority had been to get her back.”
Oct. 29, 2021
In an email to club staff, Best resigns from his role as president of sporting operations for the Spirit. The NWSL’s investigation found Best had been aware of the allegations against Burke.
Nov. 20, 2021
The Spirit win the NWSL Championship, the club’s first trophy since it started playing in 2013.
Dec. 14, 2021
After Baldwin had entered exclusive negotiations to sell the Spirit to Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly for $25 million, Kang informs the NWSL board of governors that she has increased her offer to buy Baldwin’s shares of the Spirit to $35 million.
“I believe this is the highest offer, and is well above market given past sale prices to say the least,” she tells the NWSL board. “It is based on my strong commitment to the team and the NWSL as a whole, and will be accompanied by additional investment into the club’s infrastructure.”
Jan. 11, 2022
Although the NWSL’s board of governors had backed Boehly to take over the Spirit, Kang sends an email to the board announcing that she has maneuvered her way to majority control of the Spirit without Baldwin’s cooperation.
“As some of you may know, there are many league-approved investors in the Spirit who hold promissory notes convertible at their election into an equity stake in the club,” she opens the email, before explaining she and ally investors had acquired and converted enough these notes to represent a majority stake in the club.
She offers to honor her $35 million valuation for Baldwin’s shares and adds that Baldwin cannot sell his shares to Boehly for $25 million: “Steve no longer has control of the team or the ability to dictate the terms of any sale.”
Jan. 25, 2022
Baldwin sends an email to fellow Spirit investors accusing Kang of “a coup attempt” for control of the club. Baldwin accuses Kang of having “secret meetings” with staffers and criticizes Kang’s relationship with the players and their families.
Feb. 8, 2022
After Baldwin agreed to sell his shares in the Spirit to Kang, the NWSL announces that the board has approved the sale.
