Ex-Teammate Says USA Soccer Wrong in Letting Hope Solo Play While Facing Charges
She brings up a valid point, given the treatment of Ray Rice, and other NFL Players facing similar issues.
Jill Loyden, a former teammate of Goalkeeper Hope Solo, says USA Soccer not "living up to it's responsibilities" by letting the former Richland High grad continue to play as she is facing a possible conviction on two counts of misdemeanor domestic violence. The charges stem from an incident back in June.
According to information obtained by the Seattle Times from Kirkland police (From USA Today):
"....during an argument at Solo's sister's Kirkland, Wash., home, Solo charged her 17-year-old nephew, punched him in the face and tackled him. When the teen's mother tried to intervene, Solo attacked her as well.
Police wrote in an affidavit that when they arrived on the scene, the nephew's T-shirt was torn and that he had scratch marks on his arms and a bleeding cut on his ear."
She has plead not guilty to the two counts. Loyden, who was a reserve player on the 2011 US Women's National Team, says while she looks up to Solo, and considers a mentor, the USA Women's Soccer administration is sending the wrong message by naming her to the team fo the World Cup qualifying tournament, which beings October 15th.
Loyden has a definite reason to have an opinion on domestic violence, as her sister Britton was killed by her fiance' in 2012, leaving behind a young son.
The NFL acted quickly, especially after such sponsors as Anheuser-Busch (Budweiser) and Nike criticized the NFL sharply over the Ray Rice issue. Other players, such as the 49'rs Ray McDonald, could be facing suspensions or bans over allegations of domestic violence issues.
Loyden says it's not acceptable for men OR women, and she indicated it's a double-standard to allow Solo to continue to play while these charges are swirling, and especially if she is found guilty.