Bigger than a Rivalry: the Abuse Scandals in Portland Football – Sheba Rawson, 107IST – #156

The Portland Timbers are a men’s professional soccer team playing in Major League Soccer (MLS). The Portland Thorns are literally their sister club, a women’s team, playing in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Both...

The Portland Timbers are a men’s professional soccer team playing in Major League Soccer (MLS). The Portland Thorns are literally their sister club, a women’s team, playing in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Both teams are owned by millionaire Merritt Paulson, son of former Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson, and both teams have recently been rocked by scandals. In each incident, women were harmed by people employed by the team and in each the team was less than forthright with supporters and the public, arguably engaging in a cover-up. 

The teams’ most passionate fans are members of two supporters groups: the Timbers Army and Rose City Riveters. We brought on one of the leaders of those groups, Sheba Rawson, to talk about the scandals, the lack of transparency from team management, and how the club’s actions are souring the relationship with their most committed fans. 

Recommended Reading:

Paul Riley’s pattern of abuse – The Athletic
An Open Letter from team owner Merritt Paulson
Domestic abuse allegations against Andy Polo – ESPN

Cast of Characters

Sheba  Rawson – Twitter

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