The day after the Yates report was released, Portland Thorns owner Merritt Paulson announced he would be removing himself "from all Thorns-related decision making" until the results of the NWSL/NWSLPA investigation are released. "I cannot apologize enough for our role in a gross systemic failure to protect player safety and the missteps we made in 2015," Paulson wrote in the statement. "I am truly sorry." The Yates report found that Paulson was among team executives who hid their knowledge of Riley's abuse, dismissed player complaints, and failed to share what they knew as Riley moved on to other teams.
The following day, Oct. 5, the Thorns also announced the dismissal of the team's president of soccer, Gavin Wilkinson, and president of business, Mike Golub.
Also on Oct. 4, Chicago Red Stars owner Arnim Whisler released a statement saying he was "hand[ing] over operational control of the club to our executive team in Chicago" as well as removing himself from his role within the NWSL board of governors. On Oct. 5, the team announced that Whisler was being removed from his role as chairman of the team's board of directors. "The Board was deeply disappointed after reading the Yates report and believes the club cannot move forward in rebuilding trust with players, staff and the Red Stars community with his continued involvement," the statement read. According to Yates's report, Whisler was notified of Dames's behavior as early as 2013 but dismissed the complaints.
Despite stepping down from operational roles, both Paulson and Whisler remain team owners.
