Investigators stated that the NWSL, Bay FC, and Bay FC coach Albertin Montoya have “already begun” implementing recommendations stemming from an investigation into bullying accusations against Montoya and will “continue to address them in the future,” according to Mastrodonato & Pashelka of the San Jose MERCURY NEWS. Montoya, who was “cleared” of the accusations by investigators from Debevoise & Plimpton, has “vowed to learn from the months-long ordeal.” When asked if he felt his behavior was unacceptable, Montoya, who never considered resigning, said, “I do not.” The league found “shortcomings” in Montoya’s communication style. The investigators made a “series of recommendations” -- not only to Bay FC but to the “entire NWSL -- to help facilitate healthy communication and add support structures.” In a 2024 midseason player survey sent out by the league, Bay FC ranked 11th out of 14 teams in overall player satisfaction. After reviewing the survey, Bay FC “implemented a new communications framework.” As a result, Montoya now “meets weekly with an executive leadership coach.” He also holds weekly captain meetings, during which the team’s leaders “can relay any questions or concerns.” Additionally, players have “weekly check-ins” with members of the coaching staff, and meetings are held between Sporting Dir Matt Potter and non-captain player representatives, who are “encouraged to bring up any issues.” Montoya met with the team yesterday morning, and the organization “plans to continue evolving its communication process to ensure the players’ voices are heard” (San Jose MERCURY NEWS, 7/8).
LIST OF RECOMMENDATIONS: THE ATHLETIC’s Meg Linehan noted the list of recommendations was “not provided” in a league statement, though the NWSL noted that all parties “fully cooperated” with the investigation and are implementing them. While no statement was issued by NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman on the findings, the league “will likely view the process of the Bay FC investigation as proof that the reporting system is working” -- though there may “still be cultural issues around encouraging proactive reporting by players” (THE ATHLETIC, 7/8).
LESSON LEARNED? In S.F., Ann Killion reported if there is one thing the recently concluded independent investigation into Bay FC’s culture has taught us, it is “we can’t be sure what -- if anything -- will be learned from it.” Bay FC was “born into a league already rocked by scandal.” Yet, this brand new team “repeated the same mistakes and failed to learn lessons of the past.” Killion: “All of it -- the confusion over how to file a complaint, the complaints of a toxic culture within the league’s newest team, the need for an independent investigation -- is puzzling, considering the timing of Bay FC’s very existence.” Montoya rejected the notion that the investigation created “some kind of dark cloud.” Montoya: “We came on very strong last year, and it’ll be the same this year.” Killion wrote if that happens, it will “likely be because Bay FC will have learned from what has happened in the past.” On and off the field. The NWSL’s two expansion teams arriving next season “might want to take note of it” (S.F. CHRONICLE, 7/8).
