Thorns Make Decision on Embattled Executives Amid NWSL Scandal

The announcement regarding Gavin Wilkinson and Mike Golub comes on the heels of a bombshell investigation into alleged systemic emotional abuse and sexual misconduct in the NWSL.

The ownership group of the Portland Timbers and Thorns soccer clubs announced the dismissal of two high-ranking executives Wednesday in the aftermath of a bombshell investigation that uncovered systemic emotional abuse and sexual misconduct in the National Women’s Soccer League.

A joint statement issued by the NWSL’s Thorns and MLS’s Timbers confirmed longtime president of soccer and general manager Gavin Wilkinson and president of business Mike Golub have been relieved of their duties with both clubs. The news comes on the heels of Thorns owner Merritt Paulson stepping down on Tuesday due to his reported role in the cover-up of accounts of sexual abuse and coercion involving former Thorns coach Paul Riley, who was fired by the North Carolina Courage in September 2021 in response to the allegations.

Golub had worked for the Timbers in an executive role since 2009 and for the Thorns since their inception in ’13. Wilkinson, who played and coached for the Timbers when the franchise competed in the USL, took over as GM when Portland moved to the MLS in ’11; he worked in the same role for the Timbers until late last year when he was placed on administrative leave and eventually replaced by current GM Karina LeBlanc as Riley’s previous misconduct became public.

The findings that led to Wednesday’s dramatic front-office changes stem from an independent investigation commissioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation and led by former acting U.S. attorney general Sally Q. Yates and the law firm King & Spalding. The investigation began after former Thorns players Sinead Farrelly and Mana Shim came forward last September with allegations against Riley from his time with the Timbers from 2014 to ’15.

According to Yates’ report, both Paulson and Wilkinson enabled and vouched for Riley despite the allegations. Wilkinson reportedly blamed Shim for “putting Riley in a bad position” during a conversation with the Western New York Flash on the ex-coach’s behalf and noted he would “hire [Riley] in a heartbeat.” 

The report also uncovered an 2013 incident involving Golub in which he made an inappropriate sexual remark to former Thorns coach and current U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone. Golub has been previously accused of creating a “toxic” work environment that reportedly included “lewd comments toward female employees and inappropriate physical contact,” per an August 2021 report by The Oregonian.

Wednesday’s announcement follows Paulson’s Tuesday statement that Wilkinson and Golub would join him in removing themselves from “all Thorns-related decision-making.” The club is preparing for the start of its second consecutive NWSL playoff appearance Oct. 23 after finishing the regular season 10-9-3.

In the aftermath of the dismissals, the Timbers and Thorns announced that general counsel Heather Davis will take over as interim president of Peregrine Sports, the company that owns and oversees business operations for both clubs. Timbers technical director Ned Grabavoy will continue to guide Timbers soccer operations, while LeBlanc will direct Timbers operations.