Sporting KC Gets Rid Of Gavin Wilkinson After Fan Outrage

The company line is far more politic. 

The reality is that scandal and online trolling likely inspired this decision.

Here are the basics and the official news story:

Gavin Wilkinson's hiring sparked a wave of backlash from fans.

"In making this difficult decision, we want to first acknowledge the passion of our fans, our community of supporters, our partners and our stakeholders. Together, they comprise our deeply valued Sporting family," said principal owner Michael Illig in a statement. "Our action today demonstrates our longstanding, unequivocal respect for their voices, and the belief that we are all stronger when we listen to one another.

"We ran a diligent and exhaustive process to identify our new Sporting Director. It was grounded in the deeply-held principles and standards we have adhered to since the day we acquired the team," the statement read.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Sporting Kansas City 'mutually' parting ways with controversial coach hire Gavin Wilkinson after backlash

Gavin Wilkinson, the former general manager of Portland's MLS and NSWSL teams, is accused of hiding sexual allegations against a former coach.

Sporting Kansas City hired Gavin Wilkinson despite misconduct ties, then cut him 9 days later

Wilkinson was fired from a previous leadership role in women's professional soccer over multiple investigations, including into the sexual misconduct of a former Portland Thorns coach. Kansas City first announced him as sporting director last week, to the quick consternation of many fans.

Fans applaud Sporting Kansas City's decision to part ways with Gavin Wilkinson

Wilkinson's hire drew great criticism after he was fired from his previous clubs for his role in hiding sexual harassment allegations against a former coach.

Sporting KC parting ways with director Gavin Wilkinson amid controversy

Sporting KC has mutually agreed to part ways with their recently hired sporting director Gavin Wilkinson.