USSF reaffirms due process for Solo

ByABC News
September 22, 2014, 10:21 PM

— -- U.S. Soccer defended its decision to let Hope Solo continue to play for the women's national team despite her arrest for assaulting her sister and 17-year-old nephew in June.

In a statement issued Monday night, U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati said the federation would stand by its decision to allow due process to take its course before ruling on Solo's national team status.

"From the beginning, we considered the information available and have taken a deliberate and thoughtful approach regarding Hope Solo's status with the National Team," Gulati said. "Based on that information, U.S. Soccer stands by our decision to allow her to participate with the team as the legal process unfolds. If new information becomes available we will carefully consider it."

The statement was issued hours after the U.S. Olympic Committee chief executive Scott Blackmun called the allegations against Solo "disturbing and inconsistent with our expectations of Olympians," but he stopped short of saying she should face immediate disciplinary action from the team.

"We have had discussions with U.S. Soccer and fully expect them to take action if it is determined that the allegations are true," Blackmun told USA Today Sports in an email.

Nike also issued a statement Monday standing by the U.S. goalkeeper pending her legal situation.

"We are aware of the allegations and that Hope Solo has pled "not guilty" to the charges. Hope remains a Nike athlete and we will continue to monitor the situation," the statement said.

Solo pleaded not guilty to two counts of fourth-degree domestic violence in June and is scheduled for trial on Nov. 4. She faces up to six months in jail if convicted.

She is accused of assaulting her sister and 17-year-old nephew at her sister's home in suburban Seattle early Saturday. Her lawyer claims the goalkeeper was a victim in the altercation.

Solo's November trial date means Solo won't miss time with the Seattle Reign of the National Women's Soccer League or October's CONCACAF qualifying tournament for the 2015 World Cup in Canada.

"I understand that, as a public figure, I am held to a higher standard of conduct," Solo said at the time. "I take seriously my responsibilities as a role model and sincerely apologize to everyone I have disappointed."

Solo, 32, has won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S. women's national team. She last appeared for the U.S. in a 1-0 victory over France on June 14 in Tampa, Florida.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.