Time to Move on From Hope Solo
Before I truly get into my “rant” about Hope Solo, I first must say that I am one of Hope’s biggest fans. So you are probably asking why I say it is time to move on from Hope. Mainly, it’s because she is a distraction. This latest incident just proves that something is not right and maybe some time away from the USWNT will help her.
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Just this past week, charges were dropped against Solo after some of her family members alleged that she assaulted them. Then on Wednesday, she was suspended by US Soccer after an incident that occurred during the current WNT training camp being held in Carson, California.
United States Women’s Team head coach Jill Ellis had this to say:
"“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. We feel at this time it is best for her to step away from the team.”"
On Thursday, it was reported by TMZ that her husband, Jerramy Stevens, was driving the national team van when he was pulled over for suspicion of DUI early Wednesday morning. Take the TMZ report as you will, but when it comes to these matters they are pretty accurate. As stated in the report, it appears that Solo was “being a pain” and the cops had hotel staff escort her away to keep her from being arrested.
This is where I say it is time the USWNT cut ties with Solo. She has been nothing but a distraction to the team for the past year. She has also been a distraction for her domestic team, Seattle Reign FC, as well.
Reign FC released a statement yesterday on their Facebook page regarding the latest incident:
"As many of you have already heard, earlier today U.S. Soccer suspended Hope Solo for a 30-day period. Solo will be eligible for reinstatement to the team after the 30-day suspension, pending review and approval by U.S. Soccer and US WNT head coach Jill Ellis. The suspension stems from an incident that occurred during the current WNT training camp being held in Carson, California. Hope is not scheduled to return to Reign FC until early April. Given the circumstances surrounding the suspension, and based our recent discussions with U.S. Soccer about the incident, Seattle Reign FC has no plans to take any additional action at this time."
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I can understand them not taking any further action, but they have to be worried that this might happen again. Reign FC is doing the correct thing in this matter but they need to warn Hope that if this happens again, she may be suspended or cut.
The USWNT need to sever all ties with Hope at this time. We are five months away from the 2015 Women’s World Cup and the team does not need any further distractions. They took a lot of heat for allowing her to play while she was under investigation for domestic violence. The latest incident just adds onto the problems.
As I stated above, I am a huge fan of Hope Solo. She is one of the greatest, if not greatest, goalkeepers in history. However, it is time to move on and separate themselves from Solo and this latest incident. US Soccer and Solo both need to realize that younger girls look up to her. She is currently sending the wrong message.
Next: Hope Solo's Suspension and What Happens Next?