Soccer Star Hope Solo Speaks out About Domestic Abuse Charges

U.S. soccer star Hope Solo is making headlines this week and it is not because of her talents on the soccer pitch, but rather the domestic violence charges against her.

Hope Solo (Photo Credit: Facebook)

In June the Seattle Reign FC member was arrested for hitting her sister and 17 year old nephew during a party. After the incident Solo took to her Facebook page to apologise to her fans and teammates for her “involvement” in the incident. But controversy has been following her since she has been allowed to continue playing soccer on the U.S. Women’s National Team.

Solo has pleaded not guilty and the case is scheduled for trial on November 4^th, 2014. She again posted a comment on Facebook regarding the allegation and maintained her innocence. Some media have compared the 32 year olds case to that of NFL star Ray Rice pointing to the fact that Rice was kicked out of the NFL while nothing has happened to Solo. Nike even confirmed on Tuesday that it would continue its sponsorship deal with the soccer star. This has started a debate about double standards.

Seattle Reign FC has issued the following statement in regards to these double standard allegations:

“In short, we believe now what we believed then: given the available information, the right thing to do is to await the outcome of the legal process before making a decision about the appropriate action for our organization to take.

“Since joining our club Hope has consistently been a great teammate, a relentless trainer and an outstanding performer on the pitch. We have been proud to have her as a member of this club.

“It is our sincerest wish that the outcome of the legal process clears Hope of any wrongdoing. Should that not be the case, we will take the necessary and appropriate action at that time, in a manner consistent with the values and beliefs of our organization.”

Solo is expected start in goal for the U.S. women’s team when they play next month in the CONCACAF championship.