Houston Dash suspend James Clarkson amid league-wide harassment inquiry
Houston Dash have suspended head coach and general manager James Clarkson with immediate effect amid an investigation into “current and historic complaints of discrimination, harassment and abuse”.
The 50-year-old took charge of the club in late 2018 and helped them to victory in the NWSL Challenge Cup two years ago.
Clarkson’s suspension was recommended by the NWSL as well as the league’s players’ association (NWSLPA), with the Dash indicating the coach’s future would be decided after the investigation’s findings are released.
The club, who intend to name an interim head coach soon, said in a statement: “The Houston Dash announced that it has suspended head coach and general manager James Clarkson, effective immediately.
“The suspension comes in light of initial findings, received this week, from the joint NWSL and NWSLPA investigation that was launched last year to review current and historic complaints of discrimination, harassment and abuse.
“An ultimate decision about Clarkson’s future with the Dash will be made based on the final results of the ongoing investigation.
“As an organization, our highest priority is creating and maintaining a safe and respectful work environment for our players and staff, which we believe is critical to our success on the pitch. The club has made counseling services available to all members of the organization interested.”
The NWSL initiated an investigation, which remains ongoing, after sexual misconduct allegations were made against former North Carolina Courage head coach Paul Riley.Englishman Riley denies the claims but was last September sacked from his position, while scheduled NWSL matches were put back, with commissioner Lisa Baird resigning.
US Soccer and Fifa launched separate investigations into the allegations.
Commenting on the Clarkson suspension, NWSLPA executive director Meghann Burke said: “Players made a promise to ourselves and future generations to transform our league – not through words, but with our actions. This shows that our joint investigation is doing the work of systemic transformation. The work continues, and we commend players for speaking up and speaking out.”