2022

Now in 2022, following yet another investigation conducted by the Thorns organization, Wilkinson is reinstated in his position. The findings of the investigation are not made public and no players are interviewed.

Months later, U.S. Soccer’s independent investigation concludes and its findings are released in the Yates report on Oct. 3. The Yates report paints a complete picture of the misconduct and abuse by coaches and higher ups throughout the NWSL for the first time and leads to a string of firings across the league. Wilkinson and Golub are fired and Paulson removes himself as CEO of the organization that runs PTFC, however, he remains the owner of both teams. 

Calls for Paulson to sell the clubs continue from supporter groups the Rose City Riveters and the Timbers Army, who released a joint statement through their social media accounts after the Yates report was released. Alaska Airlines, the main sponsor of both the Thorns and Timbers announces it will be redirecting its sponsorship funds to the NWSL Players Association’s “Support the Players Emergency Trust” and local Portland sports, instead of the PTFC organization.

While the Timbers’ season has concluded with them missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016, the Thorns finished their season on a high. Winning their third NWSL championship 2-0 against the Kansas City Current, the Thorns became the most successful NWSL franchise of all time.

For a student perspective on the issue read ‘Every rose has its thorn’ in the newest edition of the Amplifier newsmagazine, available in most classrooms and the library.