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Abby Wambach arrested for DUI

By Shana Willeford

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When you’re as influential as Abby Wambach, sometimes your biggest mistakes are highlighted the most

Sometimes we have idols in sports who do absolutely everything right and continue to throughout their entire career and retirement. Sometimes, that’s not always the way it works out. Our stars are not quite as super shiny as we think they are at times and it’s important to remember that anyone can make mistakes, however there are moments when a choice can cause your reputation to plummet and quickly.

Early Sunday morning word spread that United States Women’s National Team star and recent retiree was arrested in Portland for DUI. Police reported that the 35-year-old retired Olympian was pulled over in a 2014 Range Rover after failing to stop for a red light in downtown Portland at around 11:05 p.m. Saturday night. KGW news reported that Wambach was booked in Multnomah County jail after her arrest. Her mug shot was released later:

Wambach was released on her own recognizance and no further details of her arrest have been released as of yet. However, in the state of Oregon a DUI charge is a misdemeanor that carries a minimum of two-days jail time upon conviction. Wambach risks a license suspension for a year, a $2,000 fine, and up to a year in jail. On Sunday afternoon, Wambach released a statement in which sh apologized via her Facebook page which she also linked to her Twitter account:

The statement reads “Last night I was arrested for DUI in Portland after dinner at a friend’s house. Those that know me, know that I have always demanded excellence from myself. I have let myself and others down. I take full responsibility for my actions. This is all on me. I promise that I will do whatever it takes to ensure that my horrible mistake is never repeated. I am so sorry to my family, friends, fans and those that look to follow a better example.”

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The former USWNT star has helped lead the United States to the championship in FIFA’s 2015 Women’s World Cup and two Olympic gold medals. In 2012 she was named FIFA Women’s Player of the Year. In October of 2015, the leader in all time international goals (in men’s and women’s soccer) announced her retirement and stated that she would continue to be an advocate for women’s sports.

This arrest could not have come at a worse or more inconvenient time for women’s soccer. Earlier in the week five Women’s National Team members filed a lawsuit with the EEOC against United States Soccer Federation in demanding equal standings between the men’s and women’s teams in regards to pay, travel, and playing conditions. Once an influential voice for women’s sports, Wambach may now face a lot of scrutiny when it comes to earning people’s respect on hot topics that she tries to advocate for. Not only can it damage her and possibly the organization she stands for reputations, but this could likely end her contracts for commercials and endorsement with brands that she works for.

Related Story: Nike endorses sexism in women's soccer

It’s important to any public figure to realize that no matter what they always have little eyes looking up to them. It’s important to realize that there are going to be people who want to mimic those sick header shots into the goal and bicycle kicks, but those very same people who put those athletes on a pedestal could also easily mimic poor decisions if they see these stars doing the same. Wambach will surely get a chance to redeem herself and make up for her actions, but from now on I think it’s vital that she does better.

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