Pope Francis 2024-07-02 Pope Francis - Last update images today Pope Francis Man United Extend Ten Hag Deal Through 2026 San Diego Wave president Jill Ellis called allegations of an abusive work environment made by a former employee of the National Women's Soccer League team "false" and "personally damaging." Ellis released a statement to The Associated Press on Thursday in response to a social media post by Brittany Alvarado, a former video and creative manager for the team. Alvarado called on the NWSL to remove Ellis, the former U.S. women's national team coach. Alvarado alleged the workplace was discriminatory and said it took a toll on her mental health in a lengthy post on X, formerly Twitter. Ellis said mental health concerns are a priority for the club and noted that it has support measures, including an employee assistance program. She added that when allegations of mistreatment have occurred, the team has investigated. "In addition, when appropriate, independent third parties have assisted us in evaluating our workplace. At no time have those evaluations uncovered any wrongdoing by the club," Ellis said. Ellis, who coached the U.S. team to World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019, added that the Wave are committed to building a strong and unified club. "What we do is all about fostering a culture of respect, inclusivity, and excellence. The false accusations in [Wednesday's] post are not only personally damaging but also take away from the incredible work and progress we've achieved together as a team," Ellis said in the statement. The Wave called Alvarado's allegations defamatory. The team said it was looking into possible legal avenues available to address the matter. Wave forward Alex Morgan, who played for Ellis on both World Cup-winning teams, issued a statement on social media in which she said she was disappointed by the allegations. "As players, we have worked hard to build a team that is surrounded by an inclusive, positive and safe environment," Morgan said. "But it's important to me that we are creating that environment for both players AND staff throughout the entire organization. Equity in the workplace is something I have and will continue to advocate for." An NWSL spokesperson told ESPN on Thursday: "The safety, health, and well-being of everyone associated with our league is our highest priority. We take seriously any and every report of potential misconduct, hire qualified independent investigators to review those allegations thoroughly, and act when allegations are supported by the facts uncovered. We have mandated corrective action in every instance where reports have been corroborated, up to and including the removal of individuals who do not live up to our values and standards. "We encourage anyone with information of potential wrongdoing to report that misconduct to the League Safety Officer. Alternatively, individuals may report anonymously via Real Response, by texting 872-259-6975." An investigation commissioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation in 2022 and led by former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates exposed issues within the NWSL regarding accountability, player safety and a system that failed to address player complaints. Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report. 240114214115 Pope Francis 010624 ?c=16x9&q=h 833,w 1480,c Fill 477194791705056632 0051270 Pope Francis 2024 Wall And Desk Calendar Cm 165x21 65x83 In Rs18092022115936 10204 ?jpg 20220622T0343 POPE AUDIENCE PETER 1716716.JPG.JPG 20141219cnsbr7297 Cq5dam.web.1280.1280 LNIZMRRPZZA3HE4VFNPB4QBXLM Pope Lent Web 800x533 20220804T1115 VATICAN LETTER POPE LERINS 1742150.JPG.JPG Cq5dam.web.1280.1280 WebRNS Pope Francis1 101722 Maxresdefault 20230308T0745 POPE AUDIENCE CHURCH 1756957.JPG.JPG Gettyimages 165117176 Custom F7b9699cffa4cfd2c4a5ebc0e06d06cae2a7e180 S1400 Pope Francis 1 6347733 1680981184589 JPQ6R6YFUZGP5OLIMTUUGNWKCY 414 231122 Ga Daniel Ibanez 17 ?w=670&h=447 Cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.1500.844 Pope Francis Audience March 08 2023 Antoine Mekary ALETEIA AM 3181 Pope Francis Jan 10 2024 640x426 Francis 2023 02pope Palmsunday Htgk VideoSixteenByNine3000 20221229T0745 VATICAN LETTER POPE 2023 1753744 WEB Pope Francis Graphic General 09Vatican Web1 SuperJumbo Pope 2023 Vert Pope Francis14 ?quality=85&w=1694 Maxresdefault Cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422