Previous reports criticized both the team's facilities and living conditions for the players on the rosterGETTY IMAGES
After reports of poor living and practice conditions for players on NWSL club Sky Blue FC, team Owner Phil Murphy, who is also New Jersey Gov., said in a statement that players "'deserve better' and that he's requiring management to 'improve' the situation," according to a front-page piece by Brent Johnson of the Newark STAR-LEDGER. Murphy said, "I don't find the status quo tolerable -- and these players deserve better." Two soccer web sites on Tuesday reported former players and others affiliated with Sky Blue said that players have been "set up to live in shack-like homes, play in facilities without showers, and practice in dirty clothes because of a lack of laundry service, among other complaints." Murphy noted that he "does not manage the day-to-day operations of the club." He added that "like male athletes, women athletes deserve a first-rate experience, both in the workplace and off the field." Murphy: "It is clear that the players on Sky Blue FC have not consistently received such treatment. That is simply not acceptable." Murphy said that he and fellow Owner Steven Temares, who is Bed, Bath & Beyond CEO, have "required accountability from team management to improve working conditions for players." A source said that "many of the housing complaints from the players were from previous years and that the situation has improved" (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 7/19).
MURPHY'S MESS: In Newark, Steve Politi writes even if Murphy is not involved in the day-to-day operations, he is the one "signing the checks" and is "responsible for this embarrassment." Sky Blue CFO Mary Smoot said that the housing situation has "improved from last season, but a league cap on spending and high New Jersey prices make that a challenge." But it "seems clear" that the situation is "still not right." Murphy "might be remembered as a good governor someday, but right now, he's a bad sports team owner." He "better start working to change that" (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 7/19).
