The San Jose Earthquakes have stirred a firestorm of criticism after naming Gavin Wilkinson as a consultant for the remainder of the 2024 season, a move that has been met with swift condemnation from supporters and rival clubs alike.
Wilkinson, who previously served as president of the Portland Thorns, was dismissed in 2022 following the release of the Yates Report, which detailed his failure to act on reports of sexual harassment by coach Paul Riley and allowed a toxic environment to persist.
A Question of Accountability
The decision has drawn sharp rebukes from fan groups such as Faultline, who argue the hire betrays the club’s commitment to safety and inclusivity, and from Bay FC, which issued a statement condemning the appointment as inconsistent with its own standards.
Observers note that the Earthquakes’ front‑office move comes after the death of strategist Vassili Cremanzidis, leaving a leadership vacuum that the club appears eager to fill with a figure whose record is marred by controversy.
The backlash reflects a broader pattern in Major League Soccer, where coaches and executives with histories of misconduct have often escaped meaningful accountability, allowing harmful behavior to continue unchecked.
The episode raises questions about the club’s due‑diligence processes and the message it sends to players, sponsors and the wider community, suggesting that the organization may need to reconsider its approach to hiring leaders with clean ethical records.