Joint City Council Statement on Portland Thorns

News Article
Portland Thorns banner hanging at Providence Park
Mayor Ted Wheeler and City Commissioners Jo Ann Hardesty, Mingus Mapps, Carmen Rubio and Dan Ryan issue a joint statement on the Portland Thorns.
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We are proud to be home to our beloved Portland Thorns FC soccer team. The players have inspired all Portlanders, especially young, aspiring soccer players. The Thorns bring Portlanders together, and the energy at their games is part of our shared culture and mutual love for our city.  

The information revealed in the independent investigation by the U.S. Soccer Federation is devastating. No organization should allow, ignore, or protect this type of behavior.  

We expect leadership to take immediate responsibility and work to end the pattern of abusive behavior. We expect to hear from them loudly and clearly what changes they will make to ensure the players are protected.  

For those who reported the behavior, thank you for speaking up. We stand with you and the future players of this great team.