Solo Plays Despite Assault Allegations
In June, Hope Solo, goalkeeper for the U.S. women’s team was arrested for allegations of assaulting her sister and her sister’s 17-year-old son. Recently, U.S. Soccer defended its decision to let Solo continue to play for the U.S. women’s team.
U.S. Soccer’s Stance
U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati said the U.S. Soccer federation will be standing by its decision to allow the legal process to make its decisions before ruling on Solo’s team status. “From the beginning, we considered the information available and have taken a deliberate and thoughtful approach regarding Hope Solo’s status with the National Team,” Gulati said. “Based on that information, U.S. Soccer stands by our decision to allow her to participate with the team as the legal process unfolds. If new information becomes available we will carefully consider it. Gulati’s statement came hours after Scott Blackmun, chief executive of the U.S. Olympic Committee called the allegations “disturbing and inconsistent with our expectations of Olympians.” However, Blckmun, did not discuss whether or not Solo should be faced with immediate disciplinary action from the team.
Career
Solo recently collected her own personal record of a 72nd shutout. The national team won an 8-0 over Mexico. She also recently shut out Mexico again in a 4-0 win. Nike has also issued a statement regarding the U.S. goalkeeper and the pending developments of her legal situation. “We are aware of the allegations and that Hope Solo has pled ‘not guilty’ to the charges. Hope remains a Nike athlete and we will continue to monitor the situation,” the statement said.
Allegations
Solo has been accused of assaulting her sister as well as her 17-year-old nephew while at her sister’s home in suburban Seattle. According to Solo’s lawyer, Todd Maybrown, the goalkeeper was the victim in the altercation. She has pleaded not guilty to two counts of fourth-degree domestic violence. The trial is scheduled for Nov. 4. If convicted, she could face up to six months in jail.
“I understand that, as a public figure, I am held to a higher standard of conduct,” Solo said. “I take seriously my responsibilities as a role model and sincerely apologize to everyone I have disappointed.”
Source: Espn.go.com, USSF REAFFIRMS DUE PROCESS FOR SOLO, September 23, 2014
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