Ethical scandal topples the NBA commissioner
The NFL commissioner, Lisa Bird, has resigned under pressure over its handling of allegations of sexual conduct by a coach, the league said Friday night.
Bird’s resignation came after she announced that the weekend’s women’s league matches across the country had been postponed.
“The League has received and accepted the resignation of Lisa Bird as its delegate,” the league said in a statement, without naming a replacement for Bird.
Bird’s resignation came a day after North Carolina Courage fired coach Paul Riley over what the team described as “serious allegations of misconduct.”
“This week and most of the season has been very traumatic for our players and staff, and I take full responsibility for the role I have played,” Bird said Friday before her resignation.
“I am deeply sorry for the pain so many are feeling,” she said in a statement. “Recognizing this shock, we have decided not to enter the square this weekend to give everyone some space to think.”
Riley was the second coach in the league to be fired this week after the league terminated the contract of Washington Spirit coach Richie Burke, following an investigation into allegations of verbal and emotional abuse.
The dismissal of English coach Riley came after the website “The Athletic” detailed his wide-point sexual misconduct, which has spread to several clubs and leagues since 2010.
