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Abe Asher

Abe Asher covers city news, politics, and soccer for the Portland Mercury. His reporting has appeared in The Nation, VICE News, Sahan Journal, and other outlets.
Posted inThorns

Thorns, Timbers Management Fires President of Soccer Gavin Wilkinson and President of Business Mike Golub

Owner Merritt Paulson fired his top two executives after a report uncovered their role in enabling abuse against players
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The Portland Timbers and Thorns have fired President of Soccer Gavin Wilkinson and President of Business Mike Golub, the club announced in a press release on Tuesday morning.  Owner Merritt Paulson’s decision to fire his top two executives comes less than 24 hours after he announced that he, Wilkinson, and Golub would all temporarily step […]

Posted inNews

Thorns, Timbers Fan Groups Sever Ties With Club Management Over “Devastating” Report

Supporters say front office officials including owner Merritt Paulson misled and lied to them.
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When Tina Ettlin, a member of the Rose City Riveters steering committee, began reading the report on US Soccer’s independent investigation of abuse in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) on Monday, she was horrified.  The investigation, led by former US Attorney General Sally Yates, found that Portland Thorns owner Merritt Paulson and president of […]

Posted inNews

Portland Thorns Management Helped Enable and Perpetuate Abuse, According to Damning New Report

Owner Merritt Paulson and president of soccer Gavin Wilkinson have been called out for covering up former manager Paul Riley’s actions, protecting him, and impeding the investigation.
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Portland Thorns owner Merritt Paulson and president of soccer Gavin Wilkinson enabled former Thorns manager Paul Riley’s abuse of their players and protected him in its aftermath, an independent yearlong investigation into alleged misconduct in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has found.  Top Thorns officials are also accused of attempting to impede the investigation […]

Posted inSports

Review: A New Documentary Shines Light on Abuse Within the Portland Thorns and Women’s Soccer

Truth Be Told–The Fight For Women’s Professional Soccer focuses on former Thorns coach Paul Riley and other scandals that rocked the league.
Avatar photo Abe Asher

A moment that fans of women’s soccer have been waiting months for is fast approaching: the release of ESPN’s Truth Be Told – The Fight For Women’s Professional Soccer.  It’s been an unexpectedly long wait to see the documentary, which offers a comprehensive look at the scandals that rocked the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) […]

Posted inGood Afternoon, News!

Good Afternoon, News: Portland Paying Little to Injured 2020 Protesters, Rubio Splits Planning and Sustainability Commission, Omar Narrowly Survives Primary Challenge

Avatar photo Abe Asher

The Mercury provides news and fun every single day—but your help is essential. If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and arts coverage, please consider making a small monthly contribution, because without you, there is no us. Thanks for your support! Good afternoon, Portland! Hope you’re enjoying the cooler weather. Here are the headlines.  […]

Posted inGood Afternoon, News!

Good Afternoon, News: TriMet Increasing Police Presence, Roseway Theater Burns, Democrats Celebrate Bill Passage

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The Mercury provides news and fun every single day—but your help is essential. If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and arts coverage, please consider making a small monthly contribution, because without you, there is no us. Thanks for your support! Good afternoon, Portland! Hope your week is off to a promising, happy start. […]

Posted inGood Afternoon, News!

Good Afternoon, News: Burgerville Workers Organize, Multnomah County’s Struggles with Contact Tracing, and Manchin Agrees to Deal

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The Mercury provides news and fun every single day—but your help is essential. If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and arts coverage, please consider making a small monthly contribution, because without you, there is no us. Thanks for your support! Good afternoon, Portland! Lovely that our little heatwave is continuing through Saturday, […]

Posted inGood Afternoon, News!

Good Afternoon, News: Cooling Shelters Opening Tomorrow, PPB Identifies Officer, Pope Apologises for Abuses in Canada

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The Mercury provides news and fun every single day—but your help is essential. If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and arts coverage, please consider making a small monthly contribution, because without you, there is no us. Thanks for your support! Good afternoon, Portland! Hope you’re staying cool. Here are the Monday headlines.  […]

Posted inGood Afternoon, News!

Good Afternoon, News: Portland Out of Compliance with DOJ Settlement, PBA Opposing Charter Reform, SCOTUS Inflicts More Damage

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The Mercury provides news and fun every single day—but your help is essential. If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and arts coverage, please consider making a small monthly contribution, because without you, there is no us. Thanks for your support! Another beautiful day at the US Supreme Court, where rights continue to […]

Posted inGood Afternoon, News!

Good Afternoon, News: Outcry Against Saudi-Backed Golf Tournament, Audit Finds Problems in Fire Bureau, SCOTUS Strikes Blow Against Tribal Sovereignty

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The Mercury provides news and fun every single day—but your help is essential. If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and arts coverage, please consider making a small monthly contribution, because without you, there is no us. Thanks for your support! Hennie du Plessis of South Africa tees off during the LIV Invitational. […]

Posted inNews

Good Afternoon, News: More New Seasons Workers Unionizing, One Year Anniversary of Heat Dome, Lawsuits to Stop Trigger Laws

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The Mercury provides news and fun every single day—but your help is essential. If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and arts coverage, please consider making a small monthly contribution, because without you, there is no us. Thanks for your support! Protests over abortion rights continue in front of the White House. Nathan […]

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