NJ/NY Gotham fires general manager Alyse LaHue for violating league policy

NWSL side NJ/NY Gotham fired former general manager Alyse LaHue on 9 July, the club announced on Friday.

Gotham cited the result of a league investigation as the reason for her forced departure. In her absence, Vice chair Ed Nalbandian will maintain daily operations. Club Chair Tammy Murphy has begun the search for LaHue’s successor as general manager. 

The club released a statement which read: “On July 9, ownership informed Ms. LaHue that she is no longer employed by NJ/NY Gotham based on the result of a league investigation into a complaint of violation of League policy. During her three years with the Club, Gotham FC has made significant strides on and off the field and built the foundation for continued success. Vice Chair Ed Nalbandian  will oversee day to day operations, while ownership led by Club Chair Tammy Murphy begins the search for a successor."

As per league rules, Gotham did not reveal the nature of the complaint against LaHue or the results of the investigation. The Athletic, however, reported LaHue violated the league’s anti-harassment policy, a rule put instilled in April intended to create and maintain “a safe and respectful work environment that is free from all forms of harassment (including sexual harassment) and discrimination.”

Following the team’s announcement, LaHue’s attorney provided a statement to the Athletic on behalf of her client. 

"Ms. LaHue denies the allegations made against her and will make no further comment,” said attorney Kelly M. Hoffman. 

Alyse LaHue first joined the club in May 2018 as Vice President before becoming the interim general manager in April 2019. Months later, she was named the official general manager and commenced the club’s progressive rebranding that would see the team go from Sky Blue FC to NJ/NY Gotham. 

LaHue began stepping away in late June and failed to appear at the team’s home match against Kansas City at the Red Bull Arena on 2 July. Normally extremely active on twitter, LaHue has not published anything since 18 June.