Boycott Timbers and Thorns until Merritt Paulson is gone

[Guest]

You are choosing to support the players by not attending the most important game they have played this year. I respect your decision as that is a form of protest against the system which has failed them.

I am choosing to support the players thru being present in the stadium to let them know that they are not being abandoned by all of their fans. The players have asked for the fans to be present and stand with them. My form of protest is to be with the players and try to lift them up from the darkness.

I believe both decisions are just. They are simply two different ways to offer support.

You are wrong and just as guilty. You will be seen for who you are at the game.

[Guest]

You are choosing to support the players by not attending the most important game they have played this year. I respect your decision as that is a form of protest against the system which has failed them.

I am choosing to support the players thru being present in the stadium to let them know that they are not being abandoned by all of their fans. The players have asked for the fans to be present and stand with them. My form of protest is to be with the players and try to lift them up from the darkness.

I believe both decisions are just. They are simply two different ways to offer support.

By going to the game and purchasing tickets, you are proving to the owners and investors that their behavior doesn’t matter. The players will play regardless of whether fans are there or not. Remember the lockdowns?

But by purchasing tickets and showing up you are sending a clear message to this rotten owner that he can do whatever he wants and no consequences.

I say, NOT HERE, NOT EVER. Sell the team! We all now know what you did and we do not accept it.

Take a stand for the future players and girls that dream of playing sports. This is not a small little issue. This is the battle for womens rights and especially female athletes. Show your support by protesting and boycotting. That’s how these players win in the long run. Who cares about 1 game? Let’s make this right for the next 10 years. Get rid of this trash and rebuild to the team we all want to support.

[Guest]

By going to the game and purchasing tickets, you are proving to the owners and investors that their behavior doesn’t matter. The players will play regardless of whether fans are there or not. Remember the lockdowns?

But by purchasing tickets and showing up you are sending a clear message to this rotten owner that he can do whatever he wants and no consequences.

I say, NOT HERE, NOT EVER. Sell the team! We all now know what you did and we do not accept it.

Take a stand for the future players and girls that dream of playing sports. This is not a small little issue. This is the battle for womens rights and especially female athletes. Show your support by protesting and boycotting. That’s how these players win in the long run. Who cares about 1 game? Let’s make this right for the next 10 years. Get rid of this trash and rebuild to the team we all want to support.

Here are quotes from NWSL MVP candidate Sophia Smith as published last week in ESPN. I am rolling with her.

Speaking to reporters on a video call ahead of Tuesday's USWNT match against Spain, Smith said: "I think what everyone is trying to do is support the players. I think that's the most important thing that anyone can do right now. I think in terms of our home game coming up, obviously it would be really disappointing to play in front of an empty, silent stadium. I think ultimately fans not showing up affects the players more than it affects anyone.

"So I think talking to some of my teammates, we would still really like people to show up and support us. Because at the end of the day, even through all of this, we still have to step on the field and perform and play soccer. So I think our biggest thing would be is we want to do that in front of our fans because that's one of the positive things that we have left in Portland and something that we always look forward to."

[Guest]

Here are quotes from NWSL MVP candidate Sophia Smith as published last week in ESPN. I am rolling with her.

Speaking to reporters on a video call ahead of Tuesday's USWNT match against Spain, Smith said: "I think what everyone is trying to do is support the players. I think that's the most important thing that anyone can do right now. I think in terms of our home game coming up, obviously it would be really disappointing to play in front of an empty, silent stadium. I think ultimately fans not showing up affects the players more than it affects anyone.

"So I think talking to some of my teammates, we would still really like people to show up and support us. Because at the end of the day, even through all of this, we still have to step on the field and perform and play soccer. So I think our biggest thing would be is we want to do that in front of our fans because that's one of the positive things that we have left in Portland and something that we always look forward to."

This is the right thing to do to show support for the players. This is not the time to walk away from them. Turn our backs on the owner and management is right, but not to slap the players' faces by turning away from them as well. We will go and in so doing, we will also support the vendors and their employees, and the nonprofit groups running concessions to pay for their needs, including athletic scholarships and own player expenses.

If you choose to not go to the games, that's your choice. Maybe you can donate directly to the three organizations that proceeds from the game are also going to support.

[Guest]

This is the right thing to do to show support for the players. This is not the time to walk away from them. Turn our backs on the owner and management is right, but not to slap the players' faces by turning away from them as well. We will go and in so doing, we will also support the vendors and their employees, and the nonprofit groups running concessions to pay for their needs, including athletic scholarships and own player expenses.

If you choose to not go to the games, that's your choice. Maybe you can donate directly to the three organizations that proceeds from the game are also going to support.

Players should be boycotting as well

[Guest]

This is the right thing to do to show support for the players. This is not the time to walk away from them. Turn our backs on the owner and management is right, but not to slap the players' faces by turning away from them as well. We will go and in so doing, we will also support the vendors and their employees, and the nonprofit groups running concessions to pay for their needs, including athletic scholarships and own player expenses.

If you choose to not go to the games, that's your choice. Maybe you can donate directly to the three organizations that proceeds from the game are also going to support.

Wow so sad

[Guest]

Here are quotes from NWSL MVP candidate Sophia Smith as published last week in ESPN. I am rolling with her.

Speaking to reporters on a video call ahead of Tuesday's USWNT match against Spain, Smith said: "I think what everyone is trying to do is support the players. I think that's the most important thing that anyone can do right now. I think in terms of our home game coming up, obviously it would be really disappointing to play in front of an empty, silent stadium. I think ultimately fans not showing up affects the players more than it affects anyone.

"So I think talking to some of my teammates, we would still really like people to show up and support us. Because at the end of the day, even through all of this, we still have to step on the field and perform and play soccer. So I think our biggest thing would be is we want to do that in front of our fans because that's one of the positive things that we have left in Portland and something that we always look forward to."

I like Sophia Smith!

But with all do respect she is in a tough spot and I understand why she is saying this. But….either you agree that there needs to be a change in ownership (which many of the USWNT players have stated) or you don’t. If you think a change needs to be made, you must boycott. It’s the only way to make it happen.

Most of the Thorns were partying with Merritt at their awards dinner last week. He still pays them. It’s a conflict. But he must go.

Sorry Sophia, I will support you and your talented teammates, but it will not be at Providence Park until this A-hole sells the team.

[Guest]

Here are quotes from NWSL MVP candidate Sophia Smith as published last week in ESPN. I am rolling with her.

Speaking to reporters on a video call ahead of Tuesday's USWNT match against Spain, Smith said: "I think what everyone is trying to do is support the players. I think that's the most important thing that anyone can do right now. I think in terms of our home game coming up, obviously it would be really disappointing to play in front of an empty, silent stadium. I think ultimately fans not showing up affects the players more than it affects anyone.

"So I think talking to some of my teammates, we would still really like people to show up and support us. Because at the end of the day, even through all of this, we still have to step on the field and perform and play soccer. So I think our biggest thing would be is we want to do that in front of our fans because that's one of the positive things that we have left in Portland and something that we always look forward to."

I hadn’t seen these comments before. We are Thorns season ticket holders and I wasn’t sure about attending this game. But, after reading these comments we are all in for Sunday. Very excited to be there for the players this weekend. Let’s pack the stadium and help send San Diego home for the winter!!

[Guest]

I hadn’t seen these comments before. We are Thorns season ticket holders and I wasn’t sure about attending this game. But, after reading these comments we are all in for Sunday. Very excited to be there for the players this weekend. Let’s pack the stadium and help send San Diego home for the winter!!

I am happy that you will be exposed as some who supports sexual harassment in the work place.

[Guest]

Here are some comments from Thorns GK Bella Bixby.


“Dear Portland-
This week has been a heavy time for every player, current and former. The entire year has been heavy, truthfully. I understand that a lot of folks are having a hard time deciding whether or not they want to come to our semi- final match; some have already chosen
against it.”

“I would like to say that I respect anyones decision to not come. However, if you are on the fence, this is what I offer to you,
from a players perspective - whether you support the Thorns alone, any other team in the league, or women's soccer across the
globe, we need you now more than ever. Seeing our supporters packing the stadium let's us know that you are bearing this heavy
burden WITH us.”

”You can view that showing up on game day is an act of solidarity with the women on the field who are time and time again punished for the actions of others. Ask yourself, for this one game, do you love and support the players more than you hate a front office?”

”I understand it is a nuanced and complex situation-some folks are reliving past trauma, some don't feel safe. To be clear, I'm not
arguing that if you don't come, you don't love the players - everyone is ultimately going to do what is best for them physically and mentally, and I will be at peace with what anyone
decides to do.”

“But if you are on the fence, from a player.…..we'd love to have one last party at Providence Park in a few weeks, and we want you there. Because the club belongs to us.”

#BAONPDX

-BB

[Guest]

Is this why sexual harassment is so wide spread, because its not a big deal until it happens to you.

[Guest]

Here are some comments from Thorns GK Bella Bixby.


“Dear Portland-
This week has been a heavy time for every player, current and former. The entire year has been heavy, truthfully. I understand that a lot of folks are having a hard time deciding whether or not they want to come to our semi- final match; some have already chosen
against it.”

“I would like to say that I respect anyones decision to not come. However, if you are on the fence, this is what I offer to you,
from a players perspective - whether you support the Thorns alone, any other team in the league, or women's soccer across the
globe, we need you now more than ever. Seeing our supporters packing the stadium let's us know that you are bearing this heavy
burden WITH us.”

”You can view that showing up on game day is an act of solidarity with the women on the field who are time and time again punished for the actions of others. Ask yourself, for this one game, do you love and support the players more than you hate a front office?”

”I understand it is a nuanced and complex situation-some folks are reliving past trauma, some don't feel safe. To be clear, I'm not
arguing that if you don't come, you don't love the players - everyone is ultimately going to do what is best for them physically and mentally, and I will be at peace with what anyone
decides to do.”

“But if you are on the fence, from a player.…..we'd love to have one last party at Providence Park in a few weeks, and we want you there. Because the club belongs to us.”

#BAONPDX

-BB

I wish she were correct when she states “this club belongs to us”, unfortunately this is not true. This clubs belongs to Peregrine Sports and the Paulson’s. Until the day comes that it belongs to us or a knew owner group I choose to stand with the victims of this abuse. The ones that had their careers derailed and their faith in this league and sport ruined. I stand for all future girls and women who choose to devote their time, energy, and bodies to the pursuit of greatness. And never having to worry that a predatory system, mainly ran by rich entitled men will once again prey upon them and damage their life spirit. And ultimately our spirit for the game we love.

Sorry Bella, this is not about you and our support for you, but we must and will take a stand against the abusers and enablers once and for all to send a resounding message. THIS WILL NEVER BE TOLERATED. We hold all of them accountable and they must be removed, this can never happen again.

Dont go to the game. It’s one game, but it’s a message that better times are ahead. Get rid of the trash and we can get back to supporting the team more than ever before.

[Guest]

I am happy that you will be exposed as some who supports sexual harassment in the work place.

As someone who was a victim of sexual harassment at work as a teenager, I feel the pain of these victims but also know that there is strength in support by others. Paulson, Gavin, Riley and others here in PDX and across the NWSL, were caught. I’m sure more will follow. This is not a new trend in the workplace.

My life moved on and I see support for players to be foremost in my mind as the reason to be at the games. I’m not going to punish the players. Put the pressure on the guilty and not punish all of the players.

[Guest]

As someone who was a victim of sexual harassment at work as a teenager, I feel the pain of these victims but also know that there is strength in support by others. Paulson, Gavin, Riley and others here in PDX and across the NWSL, were caught. I’m sure more will follow. This is not a new trend in the workplace.

My life moved on and I see support for players to be foremost in my mind as the reason to be at the games. I’m not going to punish the players. Put the pressure on the guilty and not punish all of the players.

They were “caught”? No they were exposed. Now it is up to us to hold them accountable. Great that the lower level coach and managers were fired, but what about the buck stops here guy that tried to cover it all up and railroad the investigation?

Oh that’s right….he got caught. No, he has to go. Boycott the sh-t out of this until he goes. If you don’t you are also an enabler.

Support is great, but if the perpetrators are still there, support for you doesn’t really matter much.

[Guest]

They were “caught”? No they were exposed. Now it is up to us to hold them accountable. Great that the lower level coach and managers were fired, but what about the buck stops here guy that tried to cover it all up and railroad the investigation?

Oh that’s right….he got caught. No, he has to go. Boycott the sh-t out of this until he goes. If you don’t you are also an enabler.

Support is great, but if the perpetrators are still there, support for you doesn’t really matter much.

Thanks for sharing your perspective. I hope you enjoy your weekend.