HOWELL, N.J. – It was another day, another issue for Sky Blue FC, the infamous soccer team owned by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.
On Tuesday, the professional women’s soccer team issued a press release announcing that its President and General Manager Tony Novo had resigned. Sky Blue’s Vice-President Alyse LaHue will serve as interim general manager “while the owners conduct a search for the position and reevaluate operations,” according to the official team release.
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“Tony has been an integral part of the growth of Sky Blue and we appreciate his dedication to the team and the sport,” said Tammy Murphy, the governor’s wife. “For the past 6 1/2 years, he has been a passionate supporter of professional women’s soccer and has worked tirelessly to get the team to where it is today. We are grateful for his time with Sky Blue and wish him well in his future endeavors.”
The First Lady stepped in to take over the team’s leadership in February after successive troubling stories concerning the players’ treatment and living conditions.
Troubling stories began circulating concerning Sky Blue back in July 2018; those reports included players languishing in third world living conditions characterized by a lack of showers, a lack of laundry services, and even “windows” which were really plastic bags. Famous Olympian Carli Lloyd reportedly employed a 50-garbage container for an ice bath.
As soon as Tammy Murphy entered the fray this winter, Save Jersey was first to report that the team had put out a general plea for fans and friends to take in and board their athletes for the 2019 season complete with promises of gratis tickets.
The multi-millionaire Democrat Governor is majority owner but he also is not supposed to personally intervene in the team’s management since his assets have been placed into a blind trust to avoid ethical landmines and conflicts of interest, hence his wife’s involvement on the couple’s behalf. He nevertheless doesn’t appear to be staying in his lane. In January 2019, Murphy personally attempted (albeit unsuccessfully) to persuade first-round draft pick Julia Ashley to play for Sky Blue.
Sky Blue’s seasons kicks off this Saturday April 13th with a match against Washington Spirit at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
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