After the statement issued by Merritt Paulson, SCAN that stands for Soccer City Accountability NOW is a group of supporters of both the Portland Timbers and Thorns who are organizing a push for true accountability and change from ownership and executive leadership of PTFC issued a response to Merrit Paulson’s statement from Tuesday:
We have read and reviewed Merrit Paulson’s statement, and which it is certainly a step in the right direction, its by no means a full and complete resolution to years of reported abuses and mistreatment of female players, coaches and staff within the Timbers and Thorns organization.
Paulson’s statement references a desire to “actively make sure what happened in 2015 never happens again”. “This once again casts a veil over the multiple incidents from 2014 to the present, including the Andy Polo investigation, Mike Golub’s repeated comments and improper conduct toward female staff, to mistreatment of Madison Shanley and countless other incidents of abuse, both known and unknown over the last eight years. While we recognize the positive impact of Paulson’s removal as CEO, both he and Peregrine Sports retain control of the Timbers and Thorns. This move is minor, as Paulson and Peregrine remain heavily financially vested in both teams and remain a controlling factor in both teams’ future.
Paulson’s tactic from the beginning has been to stall, delay and impede even being noted of actively hindering the Sally Yates investigation. This is another attempt to push out the action demanded by journalists, supporters, professional players and voices throughout the league- Merritt Paulson must SELL THE TEAMS.
We ask the supporters maintain pressure on sponsors and thank those that have committed to withholding sponsorship until is a full change in ownership.
As long as even one share of the team is owned by Peregrine Sports and / or Merritt Paulson our fight will continue.
We encourage fans to continue to voice their support for the players, whether in the community or on the pitch Player safety and organizational accountability will always be a forefront of our efforts.
We will never stop fighting for what is right. Soccer City Accountability Now – SCAN
Statement Credit: SCAN Soccer City Accountability Now
Portland Timbers
Western Conference
