Law firm review concerned Portland Timbers' response to domestic violence allegations
A Major League Soccer report – prepared by Proskauer Rose LLP following its review of Portland Timbers football club’s conduct relating to domestic violence allegations against former Timbers player Andy Polo – concluded the club did not intend to induce Polo’s former partner to refrain from pursuing criminal charges. A MLS Statement said: “The investigators concluded that the Timbers’ offer to assist Genessis Alarcon, Mr. Polo’s former domestic partner, and her children was not intended to induce, and did not induce, Ms. Alarcon to refrain from pursuing criminal charges against Mr. Polo. Based on the conclusions, the MLS said it had fined the Portland Timbers $25,000 for the club’s “failure to promptly and appropriately report the incident”. The statement added: “Although the investigation found no evidence that the Timbers organization influenced Ms. Alarcon’s decision to press charges and that they did not attempt to conceal the incident, prompt reporting is critical to league oversight, addressing potential misconduct, and ensuring that players and their families are referred to appropriate resources, including potentially the league’s substance abuse and behavioral health program.”