Whitecaps, CWNT, McCormack

[RRS]

Well... there's been the blog post, the reportage, a wave of social media discussion, and editorials. Honestly, I thought there'd be something in the way of comment/discussion here by now... any thoughts, responses, etc.?

 

[Admin]

Lots of questions to be answered on ALL SIDES is my only reaction really at this point.

An aside is the Coastal / Whitecaps he said / she said unfolding. Pair this up with the couple of sexual assaults involving Whitecap employees and you have to think some heads are going to roll.

 

[TKBC]

Sexual assault involving Whitecaps employees!? Never heard that before!

Lenarduzzi out.

 

[RRS]

Yes, there does seem to be a bit of a pattern emerging. I’m very hesitant to say there’s a “culture” with the club, as imo that would be tarring too broad a swath across too many in the organization, but there’s no doubt that there’s been some poor leadership.

Also, as a soccer parent for more than a decade, and therefore a funder of the BCSA and CSA, I’d like to know why coach “Billy” was terminated from his national team duties. But, from my experience with soccer in this province, taking responsibility, transparency, and communication are not long suits.

 

[TKBC]

Still wondering where this allegation of coaches sexual assault are documented other than this message board?

 

[Admin]

If referring to my post, I didn't say coaches, said employees... though in one case, I guess youth academy players are not really employees.

 

[TKBC]

Where is it reported EMPLOYEES are accused of sexual assault?

 

[Admin]

Well, I'll start right here from this site:

Whitecaps off field incidents

I've also "heard" that Blondell had issues

 

[RRS]

Just saw that McCormack will be on Sportsnet650 tonight at 9:30 PST, if anyone’s interested.

 

[LauraH]

There's an addition to her blog. I for one am not one bit surprised that Coastal FC and CM claim they didn't know, even when there's no way they couldn't have. A Horrific Canadian Soccer Story: Jack Reddy Statement in Regards to Coastal FC

 

[TKBC]

I said on twitter earlier today same thing - there's no chance Coastal were the only people who knew about this. Jack Reddy clearly heard about it and said it was knowledge known throughout the community. Everyone who knew and didn't speak up is guilty. Jack spoke up to his club, but he is also guilty. He didn't speak up more and he continued to work with them.

 

[bigwreck]

Not surprised that CM or folks involved with Coastal would have known about it. Just as a parent and over the years came to see that the soccer community is pretty small for paid coaches, TD's, and club executives.

 

[southsloper]

Monday, April 1, 2019 - theBreakerNews article by Bob Macklin
Former W-League Whitecaps, Under-20 national team players say they were shunned
"Alumni of Canada’s under-20 Women’s World Cup soccer team say they were shocked to learn that their former coach had returned to the sidelines for a youth team in South Surrey/White Rock.

“We all look back at our experience with Canada Soccer and the Vancouver Whitecaps and think the situation should have been handled differently,” reads a statement published online April 1. “During our time as part of the U20’s, we each witnessed incidents of abuse, manipulation, or inappropriate behaviour toward players.”
...read article

Tuesday, April 2, 2019 - The Globe & Mail, article by Gemma Barstens-Smith
Women’s soccer players want change in wake of harassment allegations against former Whitecaps coach
"A group of female soccer players is calling for change amidst allegations of harassment and bullying by a former coach for the Vancouver Whitecaps and Canada Soccer.

Twelve players released a joint statement on Monday alleging they witnessed or experienced incidents of “abuse, manipulation or inappropriate behaviour” by Bob Birarda when he was the head coach of the Whitecaps women’s team and the women’s under-20 national talent pool in 2007 and 2008."
...read article

 

[TKBC]

Appreciate Caps having called VPD now, and they should receive appreciation for that. But their response to date has been woeful. "The President" should have to answer very serious questions, publically, as should his boss. In addition I want to know if Coastal FC was made aware of the reason for parting ways "mutually" before they hired him days after that parting (same or next day?). If they were they also have very serious questions to answer I'd think. There's no chance Caps and CSA weren't aware this guy was coaching teen girls, and as such if they didn't inform Coastal FC then heads must roll for that. If Coastal was aware (I don't believe for a second they were unaware) heads there must roll as well. Which then raises the question, did anyone at BCSPL know of the concerns? Rumours spread far and wide, so I'd be stunned if BCSPL wasn't aware, at least back then.

 

[jmoulins]

Does anyone know if Bob Birarda also coaches or coached boys teams with Coastal FC?

 

[southsloper]

April 15, 2019 - BC Soccer
Update from the President and BC Soccer Board of Directors
BC Soccer President, Kjeld Brodsgaard provides update to membership and soccer community.

April 15, 2019
Dear BC Soccer Members, Affiliated Organizations, and the soccer community in BC,
[deletia]

Jurisdiction for the investigative review/assessment is important. The troubling details within a blog released on Monday February 25th chronicling a series of disturbing allegations stemming initially from 2006-2008 and the subsequent statements thereafter, discusses programming and coach activity outside of BC Soccer jurisdiction.
[deletia]
READ THE ENTIRE RELEASE...

 

[southsloper]

April 17, 2019
CBC News:
Loyal Whitecaps fans plan walkout during game to protest club's response to abuse allegations

Twitter:

 

[RRS]

Glad to see this getting increased traction, but would like to see more than a token 10-minute walkout. Not knocking the supporters at all (things have to start somewhere), but I think more meaningful action is required with this club, which just doesn't quite seem capable of "getting it".

 

[RRS]

...and just when you think it couldn't get worse.. Scandals Mount For Vancouver Whitecaps as it Emerges Academy Coach Left Previous Job Amidst Allegations of Racism

SMH

 

[southsloper]

May 1, 2019 3:00 PM PDT
Letter from Whitecaps FC co-owners Greg Kerfoot and Jeff Mallett
To our community,

As we reflect on what happened in 2008 and the blogs that have been published over the last several weeks, we express sincere regret and empathy for the harm that has clearly come to many women who participated in our program at that time. The pain and suffering these women feel is real and something we care deeply about. And while we sought and acted on the advice of the best available counsel at the time, it is clear that people were deeply affected. For that we are sorry.
...read entire letter...

[Note: Timeline Of Events -- from May 23, 2008 to present day -- at end of the letter]