Portland Timbers and Thorns volunteer anthem singer Madison Shanley’s run of 14 years has ended after she opted not to continue in protest over the organization’s handling of multiple allegations of abuse of women by team employees.
Shanley, 27, who wore a shirt with the phrase “You Knew” as she sang the anthem prior to the Timbers-LA Galaxy match, told ESPN that “It comes down to values and integrity. And I know I’m making the right choice when my values and integrity don’t align with what’s being represented in the front office.”
Neither the Timbers/Thorns organization nor Major League Soccer responded to multiple requests for comment following Shanley’s announcement.
Shanley, who said she wore the shirt despite pressure from Timbers president of business Mike Golub prior to her performance, was scheduled to sing the anthem at this weekend’s game between the Portland Thorns and the San Diego Wave.
In an email to the Portland organization, Shanley said that Timbers owner Merritt Paulson, Golub, and GM Gavin Wilkinson “do not reflect nor protect the beautiful people within this community… Instead of taking any legitimate accountability, they are choosing to dedicate their energy to denying claims, excusing behavior, and maintaining the falsehood ‘change takes time.'”
Last September, The Athletic reported that Paul Riley engaged in sexual coercion of two Thorns players back in 2015. The report also detailed that Riley’s contract with the Thorns was not renewed after one of the players Mana Shim, reported what took place to the Thorns front office, although Shim’s report was never made public. Riley went on to coach elsewhere in the NWSL before he was terminated in 2021 by the North Carolina Courage when more accusations became public.
In May of 2021, then-Timbers midfielder Andy Polo was cited by the Washington County Sheriff’s Department “for harassment…
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