The U.S. Center for SafeSport, a nonprofit organization established by Congress to combat sexual abuse within Olympic sports, has appointed Jessica Perrill as its new general counsel. With a background as a veteran prosecutor and Division III soccer player, Perrill brings a unique perspective to the role. Prior to her appointment, she held a senior position in the human services unit of the Colorado Attorney General’’s Office in Denver. Perrill’s experiences as a former soccer player resonate with SafeSport’s mission for athlete safety, and she aims to make athlete well-being the cornerstone of the nation’s sports culture. Bloomberg Law details her appointment and ambitions in their recent article.
In her new role, Perrill will be charged with strengthening SafeSport’s legal operations following criticism from a report issued last year by former acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates. Yates, a partner at King & Spalding, found that SafeSport was often slow to act in certain situations. The report, commissioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation, highlighted that SafeSport was ill-equipped to swiftly investigate and resolve cases of sexual misconduct involving Federation-licensed coaches in the league.
Despite the criticisms, SafeSport expressed its commitment to improve how allegations of abuse and misconduct are handled. The organization, along with its CEO, Ju’Riese Colón, pledged to collaborate with soccer players and other U.S. athletes over the summer. SafeSport has also started a national search to replace another lawyer, Bobby Click Jr., with Perrill stepping in to replicate the dedication shown throughout her 14-year legal career, including expertise in child protection.
Created in 2017, SafeSport has already imposed hundreds of disciplinary sanctions to tackle abuse in sports. However, the spotlight on the organization intensified after the sentencing of Larry Nassar, a former team doctor for USA Gymnastics who received a prison term of up to 175 years. Following the ensuing scandal, USA Gymnastics underwent a major overhaul, including changes to their legal ranks.
In addition to addressing past issues, SafeSport continues to structure and capacity development to ensure accountability for U.S. sports organizations dealing with claims of sexual abuse. Other members of the legal team include senior legal counsel Heath Phillips and associate legal counsel Kyle MacTaggart. Perrill’s appointment follows the departure of Lys Runnerstrom, another former prosecutor, who left to join Ogletree Deakins as an employment litigation associate.
SafeSport’s continued investment in legal guidance is evident in their financial reports. They paid Zonies Law approximately $961,500 for external counsel and $247,000 to Perrill’s predecessor Heather O’Brien in 2021 alone. As the organization anticipates future successes, they also announce the appointment of Paralympic athlete April Owens as the new chair of SafeSport’s board.