The goalkeeper for the US Women’s National Soccer Team has been suspended from the squad for 30 days as a result of what appears to be a culmination of various issues that have occurred over the past few weeks.
U.S Soccer has stated that the suspension of the goalkeeper stems from an incident that occurred at training camp in Carson, California, but declined to offer any further details regarding the incident.
A source close to the team, however, has indicated that this suspension is not the result of one isolated occurrence, and is, at least in part, related to Solo’s run in with the police earlier in the week.
Solo was the passenger in a car being driven by her boyfriend, and former Seattle Seahawks tight end, Jerramy Stevens was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Although Solo did not face any charges, nor was she arrested, her failure to report the incident to the USWNT was cause for concern, as the team found out about the incident due to TMZ.
“During our current National Team camp, Hope made a poor decision that has resulted in a negative impact on U.S. Soccer and her teammates,” USWNT coach Jill Ellis said in a statement. “We feel at this time it is best for her to step away from the team.”
The suspension will take effect immediately.
Hope Solo has been very amicable about the decision, accepting the suspension and apologizing to her teammates.
“I apologize for disappointing my teammates, coaches and the Federation who have always supported me,” she wrote. “I think it’s best for me to take a break, decompress from the stress of the last several months, and come back mentally and physically ready to positively contribute to the team.”
Solo will miss two matches during her suspension, but will be back in time for the World Cup this coming summer.