Settlement creates $5M US fund for NWSL players abused by coaches, officials
The U.S. National Women's Soccer League will establish a $5-million US fund for players as part of a settlement that stemmed from allegations of emotional and sexual misconduct that rocked the league in 2021.
Attorneys general from Washington, D.C., Illinois and New York announced the settlement with the league on Wednesday.
The funds will go to players who experienced abuse. The settlement also requires the league to maintain safeguards put into place following a pair of investigations released in late 2022 that found widespread misconduct that impacted multiple teams, coaches and players.
It also gives the attorneys general, Brian L. Schwalb of Washington, D.C., Letitia James of New York and Kwame Raoul of Illinois, the ability to oversee changes that the NWSL made after the scandal broke, and the ability to fine the league if it fails to uphold those changes.
"Today's settlement is only possible because of the players who courageously stepped forward to tell their stories and expose the league's systemic failures. While NWSL has made critical improvements, the victims never received any compensation for the sexual and emotional abuse they endured on the league's watch," Schwalb said in a statement Wednesday.
"No dollar amount could ever fully address the damage that was inflicted, but now my office, together with New York and Illinois, will have oversight authority to ensure that the league's new safety policies are implemented and that current and future players are protected."
A pair of former players, Sinead Farrelly and Mana Shim, came forward in 2021 and accused longtime NWSL head coach Paul Riley of sexual harassment and coercion.
Riley, who has denied the allegations, was fired by the North Carolina Courage in the aftermath. He was among five head coaches in the league who were either fired or resigned in 2021 amid claims of misconduct. The NWSL commissioner at the time also resigned.
Safeguards in collective agreement
Both the NWSL and U.S. Soccer launched investigations into the allegations. The U.S. Soccer report was led by former acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Q. Yates, who found emotional abuse and sexual misconduct were "systemic" in the sport.
Following the investigation, the NWSL implemented changes to protect players. The NWSL Players Association also negotiated safeguards in the league's collective bargaining agreement.
"This investigation was initiated by the NWSLPA because players refused to stay silent in the face of systemic abuse. The human rights and civil rights violations they endured were enabled by a system that failed in its most basic duty: to protect its players," said Meghann Burke, NWSLPA executive director. "This settlement not only acknowledges those failures but, for the first time, establishes enforcement mechanisms under the law to hold NWSL accountable and to prevent future harm."
Among the safeguards that are mandated to continue include comprehensive vetting of certain team personnel, mechanisms for players to report abuse, player access to free and unlimited counselling, access to a league safety officer and policies that prevent teams from investigating themselves.
"We have worked collaboratively with the NWSLPA and the attorneys general to add greater strength to the programmatic changes we adopted in 2023 in light of the joint investigative reports, and we look forward to supporting the administrator in distributing the Players' Restitution Fund," current NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman said in a statement. "We will continue to do the work necessary to maintain the trust of our players."
The NWSL played its inaugural season in 2013. The professional women's league now has 14 teams, with two more joining in 2026.
"This settlement sends a clear message that such misconduct will not be tolerated and ensures players receive the compensation and protections they deserve," James said in a statement. "Every athlete should be able to compete in a safe, supportive environment, and I thank the brave individuals who came forward to share their experiences."
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Winnipeg Free Press
5 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Jets mailbag: Pending free agents and possible roster moves
Summertime is coming in hot — and so, too, are your questions about the Winnipeg Jets. Our monthly mailbag is overflowing with queries about a number of topics. From pending free agents and possible roster moves to the team's second-round playoff exit and what it's going to take to finally reach the top, Free Press hockey writers Ken Wiebe and Mike McIntyre are here with the answers in a super-sized off-season edition. Matt Slocum / The Associated Press Files If the Winnipeg Jets lose Nikolaj Ehlers in free agency, they'll need to add a big piece, but the core is going to be the same. Matt Slocum / The Associated Press Files If the Winnipeg Jets lose Nikolaj Ehlers in free agency, they'll need to add a big piece, but the core is going to be the same. 1. Do you genuinely think the Jets will keep Nikolaj Ehlers and/or get the pieces they desperately need and hopefully have a changed core going into the regular season? Or do you foresee only one of those things happening? RIYANA 2. How much of a turnover in the roster for next season do you expect? VERN WIEBE: These questions aren't the same, but they're not dissimilar either, so let's tackle them as one. It's too early to rule out an extension for Ehlers, but it's also true that as of right now, the Jets are the only team with the ability to negotiate with him and his camp. Since Ehlers is so close to being an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career, it seems unlikely that he wouldn't simply wait for July 1 to see what offers are out there before making a decision of this magnitude, but only Ehlers knows for sure what is most important for him in his next deal. Various projections have Ehlers moving from an AAV of US$6 million to something north of US$8 million and potentially reaching or eclipsing US$9 million. Working in the Jets' favour is his promotion to the top power-play unit this season and the 10 seasons of sweat equity invested. However, there will be other teams — and contenders — that will be able to offer first-line minutes to Ehlers that don't appear to be available with the Jets at this time. As for changing the core significantly, that's simply not going to happen. The core may be augmented and if the Jets lose Ehlers in free agency, they'll need to add a big piece, but the core is going to be the same. That's why Connor Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele signed massive extensions and it's why Kyle Connor is expected to follow suit. Josh Morrissey has three more years on his contract, Neal Pionk just signed a seven-year extension and Dylan Samberg is set for a long-term pact and significant raise. Gabe Vilardi is someone the Jets believe in and that will be apparent once his deal gets done and Cole Perfetti just took a big step forward, while Adam Lowry is expected to ink an extension before his contract expires at the end of the 2025-26 season. In short, minimal turnover is expected on the Jets' roster, but some additions would certainly appear to be part of that equation in order for the organization to take another step forward in its playoff pursuits. 3. What does management need to do to make this team as prepared for the Stanley Cup Playoffs as possible? TOM MCINTYRE: On paper, the Jets appeared to be as prepared as any team this spring given that they finished the regular season on top of the standings. But dig a little deeper and you realize a lack of depth proved costly, especially as the injuries to key players began to pile on. Not to belabour this issue I've previously written about, but failing to add an impact forward or two at the trade deadline really proved to be costly. The fact the Jets left approximately US$6 million in cap space untouched really stood out. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. So my immediate answer to your question would be, 'Don't make that mistake again.' I know GM Kevin Cheveldayoff tried various things which didn't work out for one reason or another, but you don't win trophies in the NHL for trying. It's a results-based business, and building off a solid foundation by adding some strong supporting pieces is pivotal. Your question was specific to management, so I'll leave it there other than to say they no doubt hope some of the painful lessons once again learned by Jets players during these playoffs will pay off down the road. 4. Could Connor Hellebuyck's continuous playoff underperformance be caused by fatigue, and if so should the Jets invest in a higher quality backup and limit Hellebuyck to 50 starts? BOB WIEBE: First and foremost, Hellebuyck played his best hockey of the playoffs at the end of the second-round series against the Dallas Stars, so that would run counter to your theory. That doesn't mean it should be dismissed entirely. After not being pulled a single time during the regular season, Hellebuyck didn't complete any of the three road games in the opening round against the St. Louis Blues and that was abnormal. It's worth noting that there were two-day breaks on multiple occasions and for someone who relies on rhythm like Hellebuyck does, that might have been a bigger factor than fatigue when it comes to the higher number of goals allowed than we're used to seeing. Hellebuyck himself mentioned the weight of the world being lifted off his shoulders by finally advancing past the first round for the first time since 2021, so there could have been some mental fatigue that was part of the equation. By the end of the season, Hellebuyck had made 79 appearances (including 78 starts) when you include the regular season (62 starts, one brief relief appearance), 4 Nations Face-Off (three starts) and Stanley Cup playoffs (13). Fred Greenslade / The Canadian Press Files By the end of the season, Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck had made 79 appearances (including 78 starts) when you include the regular season (62 starts, one brief relief appearance), 4 Nations Face-Off (three starts) and Stanley Cup playoffs (13). Fred Greenslade / The Canadian Press Files By the end of the season, Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck had made 79 appearances (including 78 starts) when you include the regular season (62 starts, one brief relief appearance), 4 Nations Face-Off (three starts) and Stanley Cup playoffs (13). If the Jets were to reach their ultimate goal, Hellebuyck would have needed to make somewhere between eight and 14 more starts, so that's another thing to consider. I asked Hellebuyck about his workload after the Jets held exit interviews at the conclusion of the season and he made it clear he wasn't tired and that he got ample rest down the stretch. Hellebuyck has been north of 60 starts on six occasions, had 56 and 58 two other times and started 45 times during the pandemic-shortened campaign. So, do I think Hellebuyck's workload will be reduced to 50 starts? Absolutely not, nor does it need to be. However, given that it will be his 11th NHL season and he turned 32 last month, moving him somewhere in the range of 56 to 58 starts makes sense — especially during an Olympic year. And despite all of the chatter about Jake Oettinger of the Dallas Stars during the playoffs, Hellebuyck remains the front-runner to be the starter for Team USA in Italy. As for the backup role, Eric Comrie showed he was more than capable while posting a 2.39 goals-against average and .914, numbers that were rock-solid. Limited run support impacted his 9-10-1 record, but there was nothing to suggest he couldn't handle an additional three-to-five starts next season. 5. In my view, (this year) the Oilers and Panthers can go into an extra gear that no other team in the league can reach. Evidence: the Panthers smoking the Canes and the Oilers smoking the Stars. How do the Jets find this elusive gear? @Oaktree65472824 MCINTYRE: You're right about the extra gear. Both Edmonton and Florida ultimately finished third in their respective divisions, yet now find themselves facing off for a second straight spring for Lord Stanley. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel. They know how to win on the biggest stage and didn't sweat the fact they had to start the first three rounds on the road (and, in Florida's case, all four rounds). That's the intangible every team hopes to have, but few achieve. But it brings me back to the 'calluses' Jets head coach Scott Arniel often talks about, and how those can help form the type of resilience you ultimately need to win it all. Hockey history shows us there are many teams that suffered multiple disappointments before reaching the summit, including the Panthers who won the Presidents' Trophy in 2021-22 only to get bounced in the first round. I'd say they responded to that fairly well, wouldn't you? Paul Maurice actually brought that up the other day when asked about the Jets, so we'll see if they can follow suit. 6. Would Cole Perfetti ever be considered for 2nd line centre? CATHY WIEBE: That Perfetti was a candidate for the job going into the 2023-24 season means that you can't rule him out down the road, but the experiment was abandoned early by Rick Bowness and then Arniel has made it clear that he likes what he sees from Perfetti on the wing. So barring a change on that front, it would appear to be more of a backburner topic for the Jets — though the injury to Lowry, who will miss time after successful hip surgery, could alter those plans, depending on what happens this summer in regards to trades or free agency. Matt Slocum / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Forward Cole Perfetti appeared in all 82 regular season games for the Jets before suiting up in 13 more during the Stanley Cup playoffs. Matt Slocum / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Forward Cole Perfetti appeared in all 82 regular season games for the Jets before suiting up in 13 more during the Stanley Cup playoffs. The biggest development for Perfetti this season was that he was able to stay healthy and appear in all 82 games before suiting up in 13 more during the Stanley Cup playoffs. His game evolved nicely and while his production was on the rise (hitting 50 points for the first time in his career), Perfetti's ability to make an impact even in the games he wasn't on the scoresheet was incredibly important. He grew into a primary point producer, scoring one of the most important goals of the entire season, scoring with 2.2 seconds left in regulation with the net empty to pave the way for Lowry's heroics in double overtime in Game 7 against the St. Louis Blues. This isn't to suggest Perfetti couldn't handle the additional defensive responsibilities that come with playing centre, but it seems most likely he will continue to be on the wing at this stage of his career. With 37 goals during the past two seasons, expecting him to eclipse 25 goals is a reasonable expectation, especially if he sees more time on the top power play. 7. What odds would you place on Jonathan Toews signing with the Jets? And if he did, what's the earliest he can sign with them? Also, is it possible Elias Salomonsson can make the Jets team next season? @Oaktree65472824 MCINTYRE: Toews and the Jets seem like a great fit, which Cheveldayoff admitted to when I sat down with him this past January in Salt Lake City for a mid-season chat. Jeffrey T. Barnes / The Associated Press Files Jonathan Toews' history with Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff dating back to their time in Chicago might give WInnipeg an inside edge on top of the hometown factor for Captain Serious to sign with Winnipeg. Jeffrey T. Barnes / The Associated Press Files Jonathan Toews' history with Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff dating back to their time in Chicago might give WInnipeg an inside edge on top of the hometown factor for Captain Serious to sign with Winnipeg. The two men have a history dating back to their time in Chicago, which included winning the Stanley Cup in 2010, so you'd think that might give Winnipeg an inside track. There's also the hometown factor and the glaring need for additional centre depth which you would think would check off some additional boxes for Toews. I don't expect money to be an issue here — Toews won't be signing for a big bucks given his age and recent history but rather a short-term deal with a low base and perhaps some performance incentives built in. If I had to quantify the likelihood of landing him, I'd put it around 70 per cent. As for Salomonsson, you could see Arniel's eyes light up as he discussed the young defenceman at year-end exit meetings last month. There was even a comparison to Samberg, which is high praise. I fully expect he will be given every opportunity to show he can win a spot in the top six this fall, which could force the Jets to expose a player like Colin Miller (signed for one more season at US$1.5 million) to waivers. 8. What would the offer sheet need to look like and what would the compensation be if the Jets offer sheeted Marco Rossi? LEE WIEBE: The successful offer sheets by the St. Louis Blues in obtaining D-man Philip Broberg and forward Dylan Holloway have some folks aflutter with thoughts of offer sheets running wild as a weapon set to be unleashed by more general managers than we've ever seen before. But a rising salary cap means that many teams would have a better opportunity to match whatever teams make the bold decision to use an offer sheet. The move worked out exceedingly well for the Blues, with Holloway enjoying a breakout offensive season and Broberg flourishing in a top-4 role. So, it's natural that teams will explore the possibilities. As it pertains specifically to Minnesota Wild Marco Rossi, it seems more likely the Jets could explore trading for Rossi than attempting an offer sheet. Rossi is coming off a season where he delivered career-highs in goals (24) and points (60). He's appeared in 82 games in each of the past two NHL seasons and had 21 goals and 40 points as a rookie. He's been productive and has ample upside. Stacy Bengs / The Associated Press Files Minnesota Wild centreman Marco Rossi (left) is coming off a season where he scored 60 points with 24 goals and appeared in all 82 regular-season games. Stacy Bengs / The Associated Press Files Minnesota Wild centreman Marco Rossi (left) is coming off a season where he scored 60 points with 24 goals and appeared in all 82 regular-season games. The Jets would have done their homework on Rossi leading into the 2020 NHL Draft, where he was chosen ninth overall, one slot before the Jets grabbed Perfetti. Rossi is smaller in stature (five-foot-nine), but has excellent vision and looks like someone that could blossom as a second-line centre. The Wild are looking to improve its depth at centre beyond Joel Eriksson Ek, so it seems strange that they would consider moving Rossi but his name is definitely out there. The Wild would likely prefer a proven 2C in return, but if they're able to find one in free agency, perhaps they would be interested in a first-round pick or a prospect instead? PuckPedia lists the Wild with having just north of US$15 million in cap space available to them, with 11 forwards, seven defencemen and two goalies under contract. Rossi is a pending restricted free agent, as is former Jets blue-liner Declan Chisholm. If the Wild aren't interested in offering Rossi a long-term deal, the prospects of moving him could be enhanced. Since the Wild were believed to be one of the serious contenders for centre Brock Nelson before he signed a three-year extension with an AAV of US$7.5 million on Wednesday, it will be interesting to see if that changes how GM Bill Guerin adjusts his off-season priorities. 9. What % would you give to the Jets trading their first-round pick? Is this a deep draft or not? MCINTYRE: The possibility should absolutely be on the table if it means making the Jets better right now. With the current window of contention wide open, thinking several years into the future should take a back seat to doing everything possible in the present. Winnipeg currently owns the 28th pick in the first round. Although they would likely get a nice prospect in that spot, this isn't considered a particularly deep draft so whatever player they land is probably years away from having any kind of impact. In other words, that could have a lot more value to a rebuilding team that is trying to stockpile as many good young players as possible. Should they consider trading it if the return is valuable? 100 per cent. Will they? I'll put that more around the 50 per cent range. 10. Last year, you mentioned Connor McMichael as a possible 2C target for the Jets, and he blew up with a career year. Who's on the list this summer? WIEBE: McMichael is someone whose name was circulating around the 2024 NHL draft when word got out that the Jets could be looking to move forward prospect Rutger McGroarty, who was eventually dealt nearly two months later to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Brayden Yager, who will be turning pro this fall after another great WHL season. Susan Walsh / The Associated Press Files Washington Capitals forward Connor McMichael had a breakout year this season. Susan Walsh / The Associated Press Files Washington Capitals forward Connor McMichael had a breakout year this season. It's easy to see why McMichael was someone that was on the Jets' radar, given the season he just completed. Though he was used mostly on the wing and often with former Jets pivot Pierre-Luc Dubois, McMichael, who turned 24 in January, finished with career-bests in goals (26) and points (57) while appearing in 82 games, adding four goals and six points in 10 playoff games this spring. We'll explore the list more extensively in the days leading up to the NHL draft and free agency, but someone that has my attention is Columbus Blue Jackets forward Cole Sillinger. The son of longtime NHLer Mike Sillinger was chosen 12th overall by the Blue Jackets in the 2021 NHL draft and finds himself behind former Jets' centre Sean Monahan and Adam Fantilli on the depth chart. Sillinger had 11 goals and 33 points in 66 games last season while averaging just under 17 minutes per game and is someone who might benefit from a change of scenery. Although the 22-year-old was born in Columbus, Ohio, he's got Regina roots and could excel while playing on the Prairies. Sillinger had 16 goals and 31 points as an NHL rookie and has already been in double digits for goals three times. Could he hit 20 goals with an expanded role? Only time will tell, but Sillinger is six-foot-one and 205 pounds and has recorded 396 hits during the past four seasons, so he would bring some edge to go along with his complementary production. 11. Do you see the Jets re-signing Mason Appleton or Brandon Tanev? Which current Moose player will make the opening lineup? MARK MCINTYRE: No. And no. I really don't see room for either player, with the Jets likely filling their positions with younger and cheaper players. Nikita Chibrikov and Parker Ford are two potential wingers with the Moose who immediately come to mind, with both showing well this year in brief looks with the Jets before they suffered season-ending injuries on the farm. Obviously Brad Lambert will get a long look in camp, even if he took a big offensive step back in his sophomore AHL season, and Salomonsson should, at the very least, get some NHL games. 12. With second line centre being the perpetual gap in the lineup and limited options for acquiring a new one, why is there not more consideration for moving Gabe Vilardi to 2C? Despite success when required, Blake Wheeler always seemed to resist the idea too. I wonder why obviously skilled players with the aptitude for the centre position avoid (second line) centre? @ WIEBE: There's little doubt the Jets will be investigating the second-line centre position once again this summer, but it's one of several things to monitor within the top-six forward group. Matt Slocum / The Associated Press Files There's little doubt Gabe Vilardi could be an effective second-line centre for the Jets, but they would need to replace his offence – 61 points in 71 games – on their top line. Matt Slocum / The Associated Press Files There's little doubt Gabe Vilardi could be an effective second-line centre for the Jets, but they would need to replace his offence – 61 points in 71 games – on their top line. While it's true that Vilardi played some solid minutes at centre as a member of the Los Angeles Kings before he was traded to the Jets, given some of the health challenges he's endured over the past several seasons, playing on the wing is typically a bit easier on his body. That's one of the biggest factors. Another thing is that Vilardi was part of one of the most productive first lines in the entire NHL before he got hurt last season. If he's moving to centre, he's moving to the second line. Essentially that was the question the Jets had to consider with Wheeler, who was one of the best right-wingers in the NHL at the time. Were they better off with Wheeler at 2C or playing on the top line with Scheifele and Connor? This is a similar situation. There's little doubt Vilardi could be an effective 2C, but the Jets would also need to replace his offence (27 goals, 61 points in 71 games) on the top line if they made that move. Could the Lowry injury force the Jets to reconsider? It's possible, but these answers will become clearer once the NHL draft and free agency are in the rear-view mirror. The potential addition of Toews as an unrestricted free agent could also factor into the decisions down the middle. 13. How does the way the Jets playoffs ended/went improve the chances of landing legit top 6 forwards or a top 4 D in the couple years going forward. Just the way they were able to beat St Louis in a Miraculous fashion, and the emotional connection to the end of the Jets season. MICHAEL MCINTYRE: From the way this city rallied around the Jets to the first-class treatment the organization showed its players, you'd have to think potential free agents in other markets at least took notice. And while I don't expect Winnipeg will ever hang with the likes of Florida and Vegas when it comes to attracting available athletes, I do believe the way this past season played out should at least help the cause. At the very least, joining the team that won the Presidents' Trophy and has its core mostly locked up, including the best goaltender on the planet, should be enticing to anyone in a 'win now' mode. And getting treated like royalty by ownership, management and fans alike has to be appealing when weighing various intangibles. 14. Any buzz/hype in the Jets org about Kieron Walton and Jacob Julien? Their stats look good, but are they AHL lifers? @ MCINTYRE: There's certainly excitement about these two prospects, who literally cast large shadows given their size (Walton is six-foot-six, 216 pounds, while Julien is six-foot-four and 190 pounds). Let's start with Julien, who is fresh off helping his hometown London Knights win the Memorial Cup. Although his personal stats dipped quite a bit this year — 11 goals and 43 assists during the season compared to 29 tallies and 49 helpers last year — Julien had a monster playoff performance which included 23 points (8G, 15A) in 22 games. He elevated his game on an incredibly deep team while also serving as an alternate captain. He'll turn 21 in September and make the jump to pro this fall. I fully expect that to be with the Manitoba Moose, but his development will be something to watch closely as I truly believe there could be an NHL player here down the road. Christopher Katsarov / The Canadian Press Files Jacob Julien (right) scored the go-ahead goal for the London Knights in the Memorial Cup final against the Medicine Hat Tigers last Sunday. Julien will most likely be on the Manitoba Moose roster in the upcoming 2025-26 season. Christopher Katsarov / The Canadian Press Files Jacob Julien (right) scored the go-ahead goal for the London Knights in the Memorial Cup final against the Medicine Hat Tigers last Sunday. Julien will most likely be on the Manitoba Moose roster in the upcoming 2025-26 season. The same goes for Walton, who just turned 19 and is expected to head back to the Sudbury Wolves for a fourth season this fall. He took a massive lead this past year, with 92 points in 66 games after putting up 43 in 65 contests a year earlier. The fact he did this on a team that was rather thin up front is even more impressive. Walton had five points (1G, 4A) in four playoff games as his team was swept in the first round, then made his pro debut with the Moose on an amateur tryout and recorded an assist in four AHL games. Julien (fifth round in 2023) and Walton (sixth round in 2024) both have the potential to be the kind of diamonds in the rough that good organizations often hit on during the draft. Questions about their skating/mobility likely caused them both to fall, so that will be something they'll have to continue to work on. But there's no doubt these two big men have a real nose for the net. X and Bluesky: @WiebesWorld X and Bluesky: @mikemcintyrewpg Ken WiebeReporter Raised in the booming metropolis of Altona, Man., Ken Wiebe grew up wanting to play in the NHL, but after realizing his hands were more adept at typing than scoring, he shifted his attention to cover his favourite sport as a writer. Read full biography Mike McIntyreReporter Mike McIntyre grew up wanting to be a professional wrestler. But when that dream fizzled, he put all his brawn into becoming a professional writer. Read full biography Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
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Winnipeg Free Press
2 days ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Enhanced Games perpetuate a growing problem
Opinion We appear to be entering a new golden age of steroids. Years of scandals out of the Olympics, pro baseball, pro wrestling, and other athletic fields should have put to bed the notion that there is any athletic or cultural value in using performance-enhancing drugs, or PEDs, to get an edge. With every suspension, with every prize stripped from a competitor or left tainted by the way it was obtained, the message was clear — it's cheating, and it's not worth it. Some haven't received the message. The Enhanced Games hopes to hold its first-ever event in Las Vegas, Nev. FILE Are steroids back? The Enhanced Games, as the name suggests, is a multi-sport athletic competition in which athletes are openly using PEDs. The games' website makes much ado about the close supervision the athletes will be under, overseen by medical professionals to ensure their health and safety. But it's not that simple. Supervising an athlete's PED use in the short term may prevent a tragedy during training, or even in the short term, but long-term use of these substances wreaks havoc on the body, affecting the heart and other organs. In addition to aggravating the global athletic community, the games necessarily subject their athletes to likely future complications. However, the Enhanced Games are merely a very out-in-the-open manifestation of some sectors' increasing comfort with the use of PEDs — particularly on social media. Where show business has a long history of establishing unhealthy body standards, social media has stepped in to normalize and perpetuate them further. A study by body image experts at Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia found that exposure to idealized bodies on social media 'was directly linked with negative body image issues and greater propensity to seek out anabolic-androgenic steroids,' according to an account of the study published by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. And in the world of social media, where people tend to present idealized versions of themselves, these jacked-and-toned influencers are not always achieving their results the way they describe. The 'Liver King' a.k.a. Brian Johnson, spent years on social media touting his commitment to the 'ancestral lifestyle' — a life devoted to hard, rugged work and a diet ahistorically rich in organ meats, often consumed raw. He co-owns a supplement company. An email leak in 2022 revealed that he was a regular user of steroids, spending as much as US$11,000 per month on PEDs. This came as no shock to scrutinizers who wondered how else a man in his 40s could have achieved such a swollen, muscular physique. Weekday Mornings A quick glance at the news for the upcoming day. And he's not the only one. Fitness influencers in all corners of the internet make their money selling advice to people setting unreachable goals. Sometimes, the shortcut of steroids has consequences, as in the case of influencer Jaxon Tippet, who spoke of his own past steroid use. He died of a heart attack at 30. And the Liver King? He continues to post workouts to Instagram, and still touts his hypermasculine ideals. But he also, in December last year, shared on his Instagram a litany of his health problems: a fatty liver; a twisted kidney; a 'necrotic fold'; and a mass in his colon. People are already beset with unhealthy examples of unachievable bodies, with little to no discussion of the terrible toll PED use has over time. Your muscles will be huge, sure — but so will your heart, and liver. The Enhanced Games only promise to give more good publicity to a terrible fitness trend.
