Sporting Kansas City made headlines recently when it announced the appointment of Gavin Wilkinson as its sporting director. However, just over a week after the announcement, the club decided to terminate Wilkinson’s contract due to significant fan backlash. This decision came after revelations of Wilkinson’s involvement in multiple investigations during his time as the general manager and president of soccer at the Portland Timbers and Thorns. The controversies surround Wilkinson’s alleged role in shielding former Thorns coach, Paul Riley, including withholding information about Riley’s alleged sexual harassment and aiding in his rehiring after the incident.
Initially, Sporting KC defended their decision, with head coach Peter Vermes stating that people deserve a second chance if they are willing to acknowledge and improve upon their past mistakes. However, in a surprising turn of events, the club reneged on its decision to appoint Wilkinson as the sporting director. Principal owner Michael Illig announced the “mutually agreed” termination of Wilkinson’s contract through the club’s website, emphasizing the importance of respecting the voices of fans, supporters, partners, and stakeholders. This reversal was a demonstration of the club’s commitment to honoring and protecting their valued relationships.
Wilkinson’s troubled history came to light during the investigations conducted by the Yates Report, commissioned by U.S. Soccer. In the report, it was revealed that Wilkinson had provided a positive reference for Riley when he took on the role of head coach at the Western New York Flash (later renamed the North Carolina Courage) in 2016. The report stated that Wilkinson claimed Riley was “put in a bad position by the player” and that he would “hire Riley in a heartbeat.”
Furthermore, Riley had been fired from his position at the Thorns in 2015 after an investigation into his conduct. Wilkinson was also found to have made inappropriate remarks to Thorns players during his tenure at the club. These findings further intensified the backlash from fans, who criticized Wilkinson’s handling of domestic abuse allegations against former Portland Timbers player Andy Polo.
During Wilkinson’s time as general manager of the Timbers, the organization was aware of the domestic violence allegations against Polo in May 2021. Despite this knowledge, the club decided to renew Polo’s contract in December 2021 under Wilkinson’s leadership. When Polo’s ex-partner made her allegations public in February 2022, the Timbers terminated his contract. Major League Soccer (MLS) conducted an investigation to determine if the Timbers had covered up the allegations, and it was concluded that Wilkinson and the club’s in-house legal counsel did not fully understand MLS’ reporting requirements.
Sporting Kansas City had initially sought to add to its front office staff to alleviate the workload of head coach Peter Vermes, who has been serving as the club’s manager since 2009 and sporting director for the last four years. Vermes, the longest-tenured coach in MLS history, has achieved notable success with the club, including winning the 2013 MLS Cup, three U.S. Open Cups, and securing 11 playoff appearances since the 2011 season.
The termination of Wilkinson’s contract adds another obstacle for Sporting KC to overcome. The club must now resume its search for a suitable sporting director who can contribute positively to the team’s development and maintain the valued relationships with fans and stakeholders. The decision to terminate Wilkinson’s contract reflects the club’s commitment to accountability and demonstrates its willingness to listen and respond to the concerns of its supporters.
The controversy surrounding Gavin Wilkinson’s appointment and subsequent termination has put Sporting Kansas City in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Moving forward, the club must navigate this situation with care and ensure that it learns from this experience. Sporting KC’s decision to terminate Wilkinson’s contract should serve as a lesson for all institutions in the sports world, highlighting the importance of thorough vetting processes and the need to prioritize the well-being and trust of fans and stakeholders. As the club continues to make progress on and off the field, it is crucial to uphold its values and maintain a culture of transparency, integrity, and respect. Only through such measures can Sporting Kansas City regain the trust and support of its devoted fanbase while striving for sustained success in Major League Soccer.