Merritt Paulson pens open letter

The Portland Timbers and Thorns owner Merritt Paulson released an open letter today in response to the recent reports of former Thorns coach Paul Riley’s alleged sexual coercion and outcry over the club’s mishandling of the situation. There was no mention made of general manager Gavin Wilkinson, who has been the target of many fan protests because of his actions in dealing with the situation when it first occurred.

Paulson started the letter by saying that the safety and well-being of the players have always been the club’s top priority. Paulson went on to applaud the bravery of Mana Shim and Sinead Farrelly, who came forward to report their abuse by Riley.

Paulson wrote that the Portland…