The GIST: The MLS’ San Jose Earthquakes hired former Portland Timbers and Thorns president Gavin Wilkinson as a consultant earlier this month, a move that garnered considerable controversy as Wilkinson was previously ousted from the NWSL following the damning 2022 Yates report. Buckle up.
⏪ The history: The Yates report detailed systemic verbal, emotional, and sexual abuse in the NWSL, with multiple coaches named, including former Thorns manager Paul Riley. Wilkinson was fired from Portland’s MLS and NWSL clubs in 2022 after the report found that he mishandled sexual misconduct allegations against Riley. Also of note, in 2021, Wilkinson failed to report a domestic violence incident within his team, a violation of league policy.
- The San Jose hiring isn’t the first time Wilkinson’s been back around soccer. He briefly worked for MLS’ Sporting Kansas City in 2024 until his contract was mutually terminated following fan backlash.
😠 The response: The NWSL’s Bay FC, who share a stadium with the Earthquakes, condemned Wilkinson’s hiring on Wednesday, saying, “We stand with the players, survivors and advocates who have worked tirelessly to make soccer a safer and more inclusive place.”
- Additionally, the Earthquakes’ official supporter group blasted their team, writing, “Wilkinson’s repeated failure to prioritize the safety of women and hold abusive people accountable makes him unfit to work for the San Jose Earthquakes organization.” Good riddance.