In a recent turn of events, DaBella Exteriors, a prominent home improvement company, terminated its sponsorship deal with the Major League Soccer club, the Portland Timbers. The decision to end the partnership was attributed to allegations of sexual misconduct within the Portland Timbers organization involving coaching staff and players. Karla Liles, the HR director at DaBella Exteriors, highlighted these concerns in an email to employees, citing a “checkered past” within the Timbers organization as the reason for the sponsorship termination.
The controversy surrounding the sponsorship termination stems from allegations of sexual misconduct that have surfaced over the past three years within the Portland Timbers organization. These allegations have raised serious concerns about the conduct of coaching staff and players, prompting DaBella Exteriors to sever ties with the club. The decision reflects DaBella’s commitment to upholding ethical standards and distancing itself from organizations embroiled in misconduct allegations.
The email from Karla Liles also referenced accusations against Donnie McMillan (Jr.), the CEO of DaBella Exteriors, who was accused in a lawsuit by former executive Greg Swartz of sexual harassment and unwanted advances towards female employees. The revelation of these allegations through media reporting led to the Portland Timbers taking swift action to terminate their partnership with DaBella as their jersey sponsor.
The fallout from these allegations has had significant repercussions for both parties involved. The Portland Timbers have removed the DaBella logo from their jerseys and Providence Park, effectively ending all planned corporate partnerships with the Hillsboro-founded home improvement company. The multi-year sponsorship deal that was initially announced lasted only three months before being abruptly terminated following threats to expose claims against McMillan through Swartz’s lawsuit.
DaBella Exteriors has vehemently denied the claims made against Donnie McMillan, asserting that they are unfounded. While no Timbers player or coach has publicly faced allegations of sexual misconduct, the handling of previous allegations within the organization has come under scrutiny. Allegations of sexual misconduct by former Portland Thorns coach Paul Riley and alleged domestic violence by former Timbers player Andy Polo have prompted investigations and public scrutiny, leading to significant changes within the club’s leadership.
The decision by DaBella Exteriors to end its sponsorship with the Portland Timbers underscores the importance of corporate responsibility and ethical considerations in business partnerships. As organizations face increasing scrutiny over their associations and conduct, maintaining integrity and accountability in all dealings is paramount to preserving reputation and trust within the community.