Soccer player suspended for USL playoffs after slur
The USL suspended Phoenix Rising FC forward Junior Flemmings for the remainder of the season for the use of foul language and abusive language in the form of a homophobic slur.
The suspension is six games and includes an undisclosed fine. Flemmings will remain on administrative leave by the Rising until the season officially concludes on Nov. 30.
“Phoenix Rising accepts and supports the results of this investigation,” Phoenix Rising FC general manager Bobby Dulle said in a statement. “These actions could not be more contrary to the core values of our organization, and we apologize to all who were affected.”
Before halftime of the Rising FC match against San Diego Loyal SC on Sept. 30, Flemmings directed a homophobic slur toward San Diego’s Collin Martin, who is openly gay. Since then,
Flemmings and coach Rick Schantz, who apologized on radio Monday, have been separated from the team.
Both Phoenix Rising FC and San Diego Loyal SC have come together to establish educational programs to better the soccer and sporting community. In addition, the USL is partnering with The Institute for Sport and Social Justice in providing “league-wide sensitivity training and education for all staff and players ahead of the 2021 season.”
Schantz and Flemmings will be receiving support and resources from the team to help them learn and grow from the incident. “We will use this as an opportunity to learn, grow and be a force for change, as we work towards eradicating bias from our sport and our community,” Dulle said.
Flemmings’ suspension began last Saturday in the Rising’s win over LA Galaxy II to close out the regular season.
Phoenix Rising FC begins its playoff schedule Saturday at home against Sacramento Republic FC.