Alex Morgan urges ‘safe’ environment at Wave after claims by former team employee

The San Diego Wave called allegations made on social media by a former employee “false and defamatory” in a statement Wednesday.

Brittany Alvarado, who says she is a former video and creative executive for the team, called on the NWSL to fire team president Jill Ellis, a former coach of the U.S. women’s national team.

Alvarado cited a poor work environment that was discriminatory and took a toll on her mental health in a long post on X.

“Ellis’ actions have changed her life,” Alvarado wrote in the post. “She prioritizes personal gain over the well-being of her employees, and creates an environment that enables abuse.”

Two other former Wave employees have made similar claims against Alvarado since she made the post.

The Wave responded with a statement saying the team “has been made aware of a recent social media post by a former employee that contains inaccurate and defamatory statements about the club.”

The Wave said it is exploring possible legal avenues to address the matter.

Alex Morgan, who won two World Cups with Ellis for the U.S. national team, also posted a statement on social media Wednesday evening saying she was disappointed by the reports.

“As players, we have worked hard to build a team that is surrounded by an inclusive, positive, and safe environment,” Morgan said in the post. “But it is important to me that we create that environment for both players AND staff throughout the organization. Equality in the workplace is something I have advocated for and will continue to advocate for.”

She added that she was proud of what the Wave had built, but that more work needed to be done.