Hope Solo Suspended Six Months By US Soccer Following Comments In Rio
Hope Solo has been suspended for six months by US Soccer for “conduct that is counter to the organization’s principles” after her comments following the U.S. women’s national team’s quarterfinals loss at the 2016 Olympics.
Following the U.S.’s loss to Sweden in Rio, Solo claimed “we played a bunch of cowards.” Those comments were roundly criticized from all corners and the 35-year-old goalkeeper was immediately put on the defensive.
Solo was previously suspended by the national team for 30 days in 2015 after a culmination of events and bad press. The final straw was an incident in which her husband, former Seattle Seahawks tight end Jerramy Stevens, ]was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence while using a Team USA van. Solo failed to report the incident, and team officials learned about it from online reports.
It would be surprising if Solo finds a way back in to the national team’s good graces. She is still one of the best keepers in the world, but her act has worn thin with her teammates, coaches and the US Soccer Federation.