Hope Solo was a piss-poor sport after the USWNT lost to Sweden in the Rio Olympics last week. As you might recall, she called Sweden a bunch of cowards after losing, which sort of goes against the whole sportswomanship/spirit-of-the-Olympics thing:
Full Hope Solo quote on Sweden after US was eliminated from the Olympics today. pic.twitter.com/UZVCAeur6m
— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) August 12, 2016
The powers-that-be on the USWNT didn’t think Hope Solo’s comments were reflective of our fine Republic, so this evening they announced that they’re benching the goaltender for six months:
U.S. Soccer has suspended goalkeeper Hope Solo from the U.S. Women’s National Team for six months for conduct that is counter to the organization’s principles.
The suspension for Solo, who was previously suspended for 30 days early in 2015 for her conduct, is effective immediately.
“The comments by Hope Solo after the match against Sweden during the 2016 Olympics were unacceptable and do not meet the standard of conduct we require from our National Team players,” said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati. “Beyond the athletic arena, and beyond the results, the Olympics celebrate and represent the ideals of fair play and respect. We expect all of our representatives to honor those principles, with no exceptions.
“Taking into consideration the past incidents involving Hope, as well as the private conversations we’ve had requiring her to conduct herself in a manner befitting a U.S. National Team member, U.S. Soccer determined this is the appropriate disciplinary action.”
As a result of the suspension, Solo would not be eligible for selection to the U.S. Women’s National Team until February of 2017.
That’s a LONG suspension, especially considering that it’s her livelihood at this point. Hopefully she saved some of that World Cup money. Meanwhile, she released a statement to Sports Illustrated:
Hope Solo's response to SI on her suspension. pic.twitter.com/Y5E5KcrECo
— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) August 25, 2016
And, as the AP notes, she still has that whole legal debacle to deal with.
“She has also been trying to avoid trial on misdemeanor domestic violence charges after a 2014 incident at her sister’s home, when the goalkeeper was accused of being intoxicated and assaulting her sister and 17-year-old nephew. Solo said she was a victim in the altercation. Earlier this year, an appeals court in Washington state rejected Solo’s request to avoid trial.”
Real talk: All she had to do was just say nothing.