- Wilkinson lasted exactly eight days in his new managerial role with the MLS side
- The Timbers/Thorns fired him for his role in workplace sexual misconduct in ’22
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Sporting Kansas City has agreed to part ways with sporting director Gavin Wilkinson after just eight days, citing a “passionate response from our fans” regarding the controversial appointment, the team announced Friday.
Wilkinson, the former president and general manager of the NWSL’s Portland Thorns, was fired by the team in 2022 following a separate investigation into its handling of coach misconduct.
Wilkinson’s name has surfaced in the cover-up of sexual harassment allegations against former Thorns coach Paul Riley.
Michael Illig, Sporting KC’s principal owner, said the decision “demonstrates our long-standing, unequivocal respect for” the voices of the team’s fans, community supporters, partners and stakeholders.
An independent investigation led by former attorney general Sally Yates uncovered misconduct while Wilkinson was the Thorns’ chief executive.
Sporting KC agreed to part ways with sporting director Gavin Wilkinson after just a week
He was responsible for the hiring of Riley, one of five NWSL coaches fired or resigned in 2021 amid claims of misconduct.
The Thorns were also fined $1 million as part of the fallout from the investigation.
During his introductory press conference with Sporting Kansas City last week, Wilkinson took time to apologize to the victims involved in Portland while he was in charge.
“I would like to take this moment to apologize for the unintended consequences and to the individuals affected,” Wilkinson said. “I should have done more than my previous role to protect and empower female athletes and not hide behind legal advice.
Sporting KC wanted to get Wilkinson out after learning of his links to Paul Riley – an ex-head coach of the Portland Thorns, of the NSWL, who has been accused of mental and physical abuse
‘I should have been able to stand on my own two feet and question the process, get more information, learn more about the situation that occurred and make a more informed decision. I should have said something to prevent the coach involved from being hired.
“And like I said, a deeper dive and looking at that through the lens. Now that I have renounced, I owe those involved a sincere apology.”
Sporting KC was looking to expand its front office to ease the burden on coach Peter Vermes, who has been the club’s manager since 2009 and has been sporting director for the past four years.
Vermes, the longest-tenured coach in MLS history, has guided the club to the 2013 MLS Cup since the 2011 season, along with three U.S. Open Cups and 11 playoff appearances.