US Soccer suspends coach's license after former players allege misconduct

US Soccer announced Thursday that it has suspended the coaching license of North Carolina Courage head coach Paul Riley, after publication of an article that included accusations of misconduct by some former players. Riley, who was also fired by the Courage on Thursday, has denied having any sexual contact with players. 

In an article from the Athletic, two women who played for Riley alleged he coerced them into kissing each other, and one alleged he coerced her into sex.  Riley told the Athletic that "I have never had sex with, or made sexual advances towards these players."

US Soccer said it was "deeply disturbed by the recent reports of misconduct," writing that "the abusive behavior described by the courageous athletes who have come forward is repulsive, unacceptable and has zero place in soccer or society." The Courage issued a similar statement, writing that they dismissed Riley "following very serious allegations of misconduct."