'I want to thank the players and staff throughout the league who have participated in the overall investigation thus far, and assure them, as well as our fans and partners, that we will deliver on our promise to create a workplace where players and staff are empowered to succeed in a healthy and safe environment,' Berman added.īefore Clarkson became the head coach of the Dash in 2019, he was the academy director for the Houston Dynamo and coached the Dynamo's club development lead affiliate. The league's commissioner, Jessica Berman, thanked Dash owner Ted Segal and president Jessica O'Neill for taking swift action, and for their cooperation with the Joint Investigative Teams' recommendation. Houston Dash are current Challenge Cup champions, and find themselves in a new position ahead of the second annual tournament as title holders fending off the rest of the field. In a joint release, the NWSL and NWSLPA recommended that Clarkson be 'suspended immediately pending the conclusion' of the investigation. The Dash says it will wait on the final report before deciding on Clarkson's future. The team received initial findings from a joint investigation by the NWSL and the league's Players Association that began in 2021. The investigation into Clarkson is aimed to 'review current and historic complaints of discrimination, harassment, and abuse,' the team said in a statement. It is to ensure a healthy work environment with all who work directly with players, the league says. Although, a decision will not be announced before the season opener against the San Diego Wave on Sunday, May 1.Īdditionally, as part of the new initiative by the Women's National Soccer League all personnel, including interim head coaches, will be subject to a background check. However, ABC13 learned the decision will be made by the Dash themselves and not the league. The team did not say who it plans to name as interim head coach. The decision comes after James Clarkson was accused of discrimination and harassment.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) - Houston's major league women's soccer team, the Dash announced on Tuesday that it suspended the team's head coach and general manager. Although a decision will be made by the team itself, it won't be announced before the season opener against the San Diego Wave on Sunday, May 1.

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