Today, we’re in a society where when accusations are made publicly, a response publicly is typical of the accused. My interest lies there, within the USSF’s response.
Structurally, it’s PR control. The lawsuit was filed against the USSF on March 8, 2019, whereas, this response comes an entire week after on March 15, 2019. It begins by asserting a noble position, one of a caring and willing hand. This is the opposite of how the Federation is depicted in the suit. The Federation states the investment it has made, continues to make, and its evidence for such efforts: the CBA from two years ago. Thus, since ‘peace’ was made so long ago, such complaints now are “surprising,” or for lack of a better word, unnecessary. The remaining half of the letter addresses the ‘proactive approach’ of the USSF, as an attempt to position it as an honest and open party. I found the ending funny, as it appears an attempt to bury the issues of the team, beneath the headlines of the world cup. It’s as if the president and the organization is claiming that equality in the sport is second to a sporting event they’re bound to makes lots of money on. Personally, I thought it a pretty letter used to buy time for the construction of a defense for possible court trail.
Link to Article: https://www.si.com/soccer/2019/03/15/us-soccer-president-letter-surprised–uswnt-lawsuit
USWNT Lawsuit Media Portfolio 