Hope Solo plans to appeal the suspension issued to her by U.S. Soccer, the executive director of the US Women’s National Team Players’ Association said on Wednesday.
News emerged on Wednesday evening that Solo was suspended six months and had her national team contract terminated by U.S. Soccer. The suspension comes after Solo made controversial comments calling Sweden “cowards” over the way they played after losing to them in the quarterfinals of the Olympics.
“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,” U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati said in a press release. “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.”
Rich Nichols, the USWNT players association executive director, sent this statement saying Solo will appeal:
SI: Response to Hope Solo suspension from Rich Nichols, executive director, USWNT Players Association pic.twitter.com/ZOPsYgSCk7
— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) August 25, 2016
Though it seems strange that Solo could be suspended for one comment about an opponent, keep in mind that this was not her first dash with trouble. She also was suspended 30 days last year for her involvement in her husband’s DUI arrest. She also has been involved in a domestic violence dispute with her family.
Solo has won a World Cup and two Olympic gold medals with Team USA.
