Date: Friday, June 16, 2017
VANCOUVER, BC – The following includes statements from both Major League Soccer and Vancouver Whitecaps FC regarding the arrest of defender Sheanon Williams on Thursday, June 15.
Statement from Major League Soccer:
Vancouver Whitecaps FC defender Sheanon Williams was arrested Thursday morning and charged with assault in connection with an alleged domestic incident. Williams has been suspended pending investigations by MLS and the Vancouver Police Department. Major League Soccer will remain in close communication with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, local law enforcement, and the MLS Players Union during this investigation.
In addition, Williams will undergo an assessment by MLS' Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health ("SABH") Program doctors pursuant to the SABH Policy. After the assessment is complete and Major League Soccer conducts its investigation, MLS will make a further determination concerning Williams' status.
MLS will not have further comment on this matter until the conclusion of Williams' SABH assessment and the League's investigation.
Statement from Vancouver Whitecaps FC:
Yesterday, Sheanon Williams was charged with assault related to an alleged domestic dispute.
We are working closely with MLS and local authorities and fully support the league's swift action to suspend the player while further investigation takes place.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC is a values based organization and we expect all members of the club to act in a manner that reflects our values both on and off the field.
As the matter remains under investigation, we are unable to provide further comment at this time.
