Oct. 6
The USL Championship released a statement on Tuesday, announcing Flemmings has been issued a six-game suspension and undisclosed fine. You can find the full statement below.
The USL Championship announced on Tuesday, following an investigation that included interviews with 11 individuals, including players, coaches and match officials, that it has issued a six-game suspension and undisclosed fine to Phoenix Rising FC’s Junior Flemmings for the use of foul and abusive language in the form of a homophobic slur during the club’s match against San Diego Loyal SC on September 30. Per the player’s contract, Flemmings could also be subject to additional discipline from Phoenix Rising FC and remains on administrative leave.
Flemmings’ suspension covers the entirety of the 2020 USL Championship Playoffs.
With the support of the USLPA and the USLBPA, the United Soccer League announced last Thursday a partnership with The Institute for Sport and Social Justice which will see The Institute provide league-wide sensitivity training and education for all staff and players ahead of the 2021 season.
In addition, both Phoenix Rising FC and San Diego Loyal SC released a joint statement this past Saturday announcing the clubs have committed to work together toward the development of educational programs intended to make our sport, our league, and our communities better, more compassionate places.
Oct. 2
Following the events of Wednesday night's match against San Diego Loyal SC, Phoenix Rising FC announced on Thursday night that head coach Rick Schantz and midfielder Junior Flemmings will both be taking administrative leave.
Schantz's administrative leave is in relation to a USL investigation that is unrelated to the events on Wednesday.
San Diego Loyal walked off the field in protest at the restart of the second half of Wednesday's match against Phoenix in reaction to an alleged homophobic slur directed at former MLS player Collin Martin, who is openly gay.
