NWSL players stop in 6th minute, link arms during 1st game back since abuse scandal
CBC
The National Women's Soccer League resumed play Wednesday night with players' minds still on the abuse scandal that is shaking the league to its core.
Players across two games — Washington at Gotham and Louisville at North Carolina — stopped playing in the sixth minute to come together at midfield and link arms in a moment of solidarity.
The NWSL Players' Association said on Twitter that the sixth minute represents the six years it took for the abuse allegations made by players Sinead Farrelly, Mana Shim and others against coaches to be heard.
"Tonight, we reclaim our place on the field, because we will not let our joy be taken from us," the NWSLPA said. "But this is not business as usual."
Farrelly and Shim made allegations of harassment, including sexual coercion, against now-fired North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley that dated back as far as 2011.
WATCH | Players stop games in moment of solidarity:
Riley was reportedly hired by the now-defunct Western New York Flash despite a complaint over his behaviour that was shared with the league after his 2015 season with the Portland Thorns. Farrelly and Shim were both members of that 2015 team.