Jerry Springer, yes. But I don't think most commenters know any of the key players personally. This is just a public mess with lots of juicy info on display. That's all. |
Many staff members have observed her rapid rise from Field Coordinator to her current position, which understandably raises questions, especially given the context of how that advancement occurred. Now, with the recent allegations, regardless of their outcome, it’s even more concerning that she retains the full support of the Executive Director after admitting fault and completing a “class” as a response. Personal circumstances, such as being divorced or female, should not be used to deflect from professional accountability. This situation deserves a closer look; not as part of a smear campaign, but because these patterns reflect serious concerns about leadership, decision-making, and the overall culture at the club. |
There is no evidence (other than TW’s filing/his side only) to suggest there was a lack of accountability. In fact his filing stated there was actual accountability. People screw up and not everyone’s actions need to result in a death sentence. Tw included…why on earth did he not just negotiate a settlement? Why would this guy violate a TRO in this way? Nobody looks good but TW is acting irrationally and it’s not looking good for his case. Oh and it sounds like dcsc is still paying him per the TRO filing, and he’s stealing data and starting a rival business as an employee. Come on, this is slimy stuff. |
People are gossiping that Greg Andrulis received a letter from Tom Walsh regarding a lawsuit. Does anyone have any updates on this? |
Hmmmmm EL? |
The CXO at DC Soccer Club (and any board member or executive in regular contact with youth players) is required to complete SafeSport training annually. |
Should these allegations be reported to SafeSport? |
Yes! If the allegations involve sexual misconduct, abuse, harassment, or other forms of inappropriate behavior by an adult toward a minor or another adult in a sport-related context, they should absolutely be reported to SafeSport. |
But arguably this didn’t happen in a sport-related context. They just happen to be employed by an organization that organizes youth soccer. It didn’t happen at a game or practice. Maybe that’s sufficient for Safe Sport—I don’t know—but it doesn’t necessarily seem like the type of situation that would fall under Safe Sport. |
That interpretation is not entirely correct and underestimates the scope of SafeSport jurisdiction.
The U.S. Center for SafeSport has authority over: • All adults affiliated with NGBs (e.g., US Soccer), including executives and directors • Any misconduct involving power imbalance, sexual harassment, or grooming, regardless of location (it doesn’t have to happen at a field or event) • Any interactions between members of the same organization if tied to their roles or professional relationship in sport So, if the CXO and the director were in roles connected to youth soccer, and the alleged behavior occurred as a result of that working relationship, it can and should be reported to SafeSport, especially if: • There is abuse of power • There are inappropriate communications • There is a potentially hostile work or club environment affecting others You do not need to prove it happened at a practice or game. The law and SafeSport policy are clear: employment or affiliation with a youth sport organization is enough to establish jurisdiction. If in doubt, SafeSport encourages reporting, they will assess whether they have jurisdiction. When it involves leadership figures in a youth club, reporting is the responsible and appropriate step. |
If DCSC representatives were aware of the situation and the nature of the allegations, they may be held responsible for failing to report to SafeSport, especially if they are mandatory reporters under the law.
Who Is a Mandatory Reporter? Under the SafeSport Act of 2017, any adult who is authorized by an amateur sports organization (like DCSC) to interact with minor athletes is a mandatory reporter. This includes: • Executive Directors • CXOs and other club leadership • Coaches • Program Directors • Board members • Any adult working or volunteering in the organization Their Responsibility: If they are made aware of: • Sexual harassment or misconduct • Abuse of power or authority • Inappropriate communications between staff • Any conduct that could create a hostile or unsafe environment …then they are legally and ethically obligated to report it to the U.S. Center for SafeSport within 24 hours. Failure to Report: • Failing to report may be considered negligence under SafeSport rules. • In some cases, it can lead to disciplinary action, including suspension or permanent disqualification from participating in U.S. Soccer–affiliated programs. • It can also expose the club to legal liability if the environment led to harm or retaliation. ⸻ So yes; if DCSC representatives knowingly withheld a reportable concern, they may bear both ethical and legal responsibility. It’s not just about protecting the individual involved, it’s about protecting the club community and ensuring proper oversight. |
You guys are incredible. How do you know it wasn't reported to SafeSport? We wouldn't have known publicly that there was a report to the DC Office of Human Rights if Tom hadn't emailed out his intake form. |
Who is the parent putting together the lawsuit against DC Soccer Club? Is it a Brookland Family? This is getting crazier by the minute! |
Really regretting my clueless choice to make the jump from rec to travel with them for next year! |
Maybe you can get out of it, given the turmoil? But I doubt it’ll affect your kid. |