MLS Suspends Simon Borg for Offensive Statements on ExtraTime Radio

MLS today apologized for statements made by Simon Borg concerning women fans on yesterday’s ExtraTime Radio podcast. Borg will be suspended seven days and will undergo diversity and sensitivity training.

The reaction from the league is firm and appears to be a serious response to the outcry that erupted yesterday from the Women United FC group and many others. In addition to the offensive comments, there was a great deal of concern over the fact that Borg is a league employee and thus his statements represent MLS. It was important for the league to deal with this situation properly and it appears they have.

The full statement from MLS is after the jump.

During the latest episode of the ExtraTime Radio podcast on MLSsoccer.com, one of the hosts -- Simon Borg -- made inappropriate remarks regarding female fans of Major League Soccer. These remarks were unacceptable and in no way reflect the values of MLS, its clubs, players, staff, or MLSsoccer.com. We apologize on behalf of our organization for those remarks. Respect for diversity is a core principle of MLS and we are proud of the diversity of our League and its fans.

Mr. Borg will be suspended from his position at MLSsoccer.com for seven days, effective immediately. All MLS employees undergo diversity and sensitivity training on an annual basis, and Mr. Borg and the entire MLS Digital group will receive additional sensitivity training promptly.

I personally feel like this is a proper way for the league to deal with the situation but that’s not my decision to make. The most important thing from my perspective is that the league reacted to this situation quickly and they’re clearly taking it seriously.

It also creates a precedent should future behavior from league employees cross the line like Borg did. MLS has a diverse fan base and it’s important for everyone involved with the league to understand and respect that fact, since it’s a big part of what makes MLS and the sport of soccer special.