Vancouver Whitecaps being investigated for handling of sexual misconduct allegations

Major League Soccer has announced there will be an independent investigation into how the Vancouver Whitecaps handled 2011 allegations of sexual misconduct against coach Hubert Busby Jr.

The news follows a former player from the women’s club, Malloree Enoch, coming forward with detailed allegations of abuse, including that Busby repeatedly tried to pressure her into sex and that the team muzzled players who tried to speak up.

#BREAKING sources tell me multiple members of the Whitecaps leadership team are being placed on administrative leave, after former player Malloree Enoch brought forward allegations former coach Hubert Busby Jr. made sexual advance on her during recruitment in 2010/2011. #VWFC

— Martin MacMahon (@martinmacmahon) October 29, 2021

On Friday, the league issued a statement saying it “will engage independent counsel” to probe how the club handled the allegations, committing to making the findings public.

“The investigation will include a review of the club’s internal processes and overall culture at the time as well as recommendations on preventative measures to ensure that all players and staff under the Whitecaps organization umbrella work in a safe environment, free of all forms of harassment and fear of retaliation,” it reads.

MLS announces there will be an investigation overseen by independent counsel into the Whitecaps handling of the Hubert Busby Jr. allegations in 2011: #VWFC — I will have more @CityNewsVAN pic.twitter.com/iA7pJ5axER

— Martin MacMahon (@martinmacmahon) October 29, 2021

All current members of the Whitecaps executive team who were “involved in these matters” have been placed on administrative leave, according to a statement and apology released by CEO Axel Schuster.

“We are greatly disturbed by the details that have been published recently concerning Malloree Enoch’s experience in 2010 and 2011 with the club’s former women’s team head coach Hubert Busby Jr,” the statement says.

“The courage it takes to come forward cannot be overstated. We respect Malloree’s bravery, appreciate her honesty, and support her entirely. We apologize to Malloree for letting her down.”

Whitecaps now confirming my report on investigation and administrative leave for members of leadership team: #VWFC pic.twitter.com/x7lJ6q6oGg

— Martin MacMahon (@martinmacmahon) October 30, 2021

Although the Whitecaps have not named the executives that have been placed on administrative leave during the investigation, Bob and Dan Lenarduzzi, Rachel Lewis and Greg Anderson were all with the club during 2010/11 period and are currently listed as members of the executive team.

The Whitecaps have not named the executives that have been placed on administrative leave during investigation. But Bob and Dan Lenarduzzi, Rachel Lewis and Greg Anderson were with the club during 2010/11 period and are currently listed as members of the executive team. #VWFC pic.twitter.com/bHGPO3StCK

— Martin MacMahon (@martinmacmahon) October 30, 2021

Schuster goes on to describe what was done when the club was first made aware of the allegations, including getting an independent ombudsperson to investigate the matter and Busby’s “departure.” However, he says this process did not reveal “certain allegations” that Enoch disclosed this week.

“Our communication with players, staff, and the soccer community as to the reasons for Busby’s departure was also inadequate. We should have done better, and for that we are deeply sorry,” Schuster says, adding the club will cooperate fully with the MLS investigation.

While he no longer works for the Whitecaps organization, Busby now coaches the Jamaican women’s national team.

“It’s really scary,” Enoch said of Busby Jr.’s continued career in the sport.

UPDATE: I am just off the phone with the Jamaica Football Federation. The organization’s executive will meet with Hubert Busby Jr. to discuss the allegations. My thanks to Jamaican journalist @karendmadden for her help looping me in on this new development. #VWFC https://t.co/J3p10CFw2M pic.twitter.com/pNpBpggna0

— Martin MacMahon (@martinmacmahon) October 28, 2021

According to a statement from the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), it says it’s aware of allegations Busby is facing.

“The executive of JFF will convene next Tuesday to discuss the matter with Mr. Busby,” the federation added.

CityNews contacted the JFF in an attempt to get comment from Busby, but has not received a statement. However, Busby did speak to The Guardian and denied all of the allegations, saying the decision not to renew his contract was not due to any inappropriate behaviour.

There has been a reckoning within women’s soccer in recent years. Most recently, Burnaby native Christine Sinclair added her voice to growing calls for change in the National Women’s Soccer League, amid a sexual abuse scandal that continues to grip the association.

Enoch hopes her coming forward will help in the push for change within sports — not just soccer.

“People don’t just come forward to say this stuff. We have to listen to people when they share their stories,” she added.

Today, Enoch says she has a strong support system and “a really good outlook on life.”

“It’s taught me a lot,” said Enoch, who now has a young son she is hoping to educate.

“I’m very, very lucky that I grew up in a very close family that I have the support. I think I’ve done fairly well for the circumstances.”

The claims against Busby Jr. come as a second former Whitecaps women’s coach, Bob Birarda, faces multiple criminal charges.

Birarda was charged in December 2020 with multiple sexual offences against four people spanning two decades.11

He was due to appear in court earlier this month. That was delayed until Oct. 28, and once again pushed back until Nov. 25.

Allegations against Birarda were first brought forward by retired player Ciara McCormack in a 2019 blog post. She later detailed the allegations to CityNews, saying she witnessed a number of problematic situations during her second and third periods with the squad.

Just last week, Canada Soccer announced it would conduct a review of the investigation of allegations against Birarda during his time with that organization after it came to light he still held a coaching licence issued by the association.