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Washington Spirit, NWSL investigating former coach amid allegations of verbal abuse

Updated  August 11, 2021 6:19pm EDT
Washington Spirit
FOX 5 DC

Former Washington Spirit coach under investigation amid accusations of verbal abuse

The Washington Spirit's former coach is under investigation after allegations of verbal abuse surfaced in a Washington Post article.

WASHINGTON - The National Women’s Soccer League and the Washington Spirit are investigating after allegations surfaced surrounding former head coach Richie Burke.

A league spokesperson told FOX 5 that the investigation was prompted by what she described as a "credible press report."

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Burke resigned from his coaching position on Tuesday, and was re-assigned to a front-office position in the organization. 

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In the meantime, he’s been placed on leave, pending an investigation into his behavior.

Wednesday morning, the Washington Post published a report citing three players who say they quit the team because of Burke’s "abusive" treatment.

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The report documents instances in which players were yelled – sometimes within inches of their faces. In addition, the Post says players told them Burke hurled curse words and personal attacks at them.