Portland Timbers and Thorns owner Merritt Paulson’s announcement that he will step down as CEO of the organizations is “another empty gesture from an owner unaccustomed to being told he can’t have what he wants exactly the way he wants it,” according to Bill Oram of the Portland OREGONIAN. Paulson may have thought this would “quiet the calls for him to sell the clubs," but it has "only amplified them.” Fan groups Timbers Army and Rose City Riveters yesterday in a joint statement said, “We continue to call for the sale of both teams.” Oram writes selling the teams "is the only option.” Paulson resigning as CEO is an "effective illusion, giving the impression of meaningful progress when nothing is actually changing.” Paulson “once again hopes you don’t look too closely or aren’t paying careful attention.” He will “walk the same halls as when he was CEO, work among the same employees as when he was CEO, and retain ultimate say on team matters -- just like when he was CEO.” That job “will belong to Paulson, no matter what he calls it, until he calls it quits.” He “can’t possibly believe it is best for Portland soccer that he owns the teams.” Selling the Thorns separately also "should be a non-starter.” The partnership between the two clubs has been Paulson’s “greatest gift to women’s soccer.” If he is “focused on the long-term health of the Thorns, then he would not dare untether them from the Timbers” (Portland OREGONIAN, 10/11).
FAN RECEPTION: In Portland, Ryan Clarke noted Timbers Army and Rose City Riveters “applauded Paulson’s decision to step down," but "continued to call for him to sell both clubs.” The groups' statement said, “As supporters of the Portland Thorns and Portland Timbers, we welcome the news that Merritt Paulson is no longer involved in day-to-day decision-making for the Club and that he has removed himself as CEO. The Timbers and Thorns are one club, and this change in leadership for PTFC is a long overdue step in the process to make this club safer and better for everyone who works there” (Portland OREGONIAN, 10/11). The Thorns are hosting a playoff game on Oct. 23, “raising the prospect of fan protests there” (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 10/11).
