Things have gone off-kilter with the San Diego Wave lately. Last month, the Wave sacked its otherwise successful coach Casey Stoney. Stoney is notably yet to make peace with San Diego’s front office’s decision. Now, the Californian side is negative light after a former employee named Brittany Alvarado alleged a pattern of abusive behavior from club president Jill Ellis. After the Wave denied Alvarado’s allegations, their centerpiece Alex Morgan broke her silence on the fiasco.

Alex Morgan took to X, saying she was “disappointed” to hear Brittany Alvarado’s allegations about her club. Morgan added that she and fellow players have always tried to build a team environment that is inclusive and safe. “But it’s important to me that we are creating that environment for both players AND staff throughout the entire organization,” said Morgan. The USWNT superstar continued, “I want to be proud of what we are building at the Wave but it is clear that there is so much work to be done.”

Former Wave employee Brittany Alvarado said her work with the club had a “devastating” mental health impact on her and other employees. Alvarado also added that the club president Jill Ellis “has no place in this game.” Alvarado, the former creative and video manager of the Wave added, that Ellis prioritizes personal gains over employee well-being.

Anyhow, the San Diego-based club has overlooked these alarming allegations. The club said in a statement that Alvarado’s comments were fake.

Wave to pursue legal battle allegations, despite Alex Morgan’s call for change

San Diego Wave released a statement deeming Alvarado’s allegations as “inaccurate” and “defamatory.” The Californian club also said that the ex-employee’s post against the club contained a “fabricated” email. “The claims made therein are categorically false, including the ones directed at our president Jill Ellis,” San Diego’s statement read. The club then assured that it would legally tackle the allegations made by Brittany Alvarado. “San Diego Wave FC is currently reviewing this situation and it intends to pursue all legal avenues available to appropriately address this matter,” read the latter part of San Diego’s statement.

Alex Morgan’s disappointment in the ex-Wave employee’s comments and the club’s steadfastness in its innocence appear contradictory. It remains to be seen if the Wave has an issue with a player of Morgan’s stature saying there is more work to be done in the club. Only the club’s impending legal pursuits will give a clear picture of the truth behind the allegations. Amid this turmoil, Morgan’s club is also struggling in the NWSL as the league’s 10th seed. So the Wave indeed has long turbulent waters to cross.