Soccer US National Team

Hope Solo’s USWNT Suspension Should Extend Through the Women’s World Cup

Fresh Videos

By @DFresh39

Hope Solo Team USA

Getty Images

After a TMZ report revealed Hope Solo was in the car when her husband, Jerramy Stevens, was arrested for DUI at 2 a.m. on Monday, the USWNT decided to suspend the starting goalkeeper for 30 days. It is essentially an adult time-out to remove a distraction from the team.

The report stated that Solo was also intoxicated and somewhat belligerent toward law enforcement. Unfortunately, that report is how her teammates found out. Solo has been a constant distraction who just had domestic violence charges dismissed. With the 2015 Women’s World Cup looming, the team needs focus. To attain that, Solo needs to be removed from the team.

The suspension comes with stipulations, according to former-USWNT star Julie Foudy. There are milestones that Solo must reach for her to rejoin the team in time for the Algarve Cup. Perhaps it will be an eye-opening experience for Solo, but the current suspension is more like a minor penance for a player that cannot stay away from trouble.

Stevens was arrested in November 2012 on suspicion of assault. Solo’s arrest for the domestic violence charges came this past June and now she is a part of a DUI arrest.

All of this is very questionable decision-making that looks even worse given the timing. The Women’s World Cup is five months away and the team is currently in camp training for two friendlies against France and England. Solo will miss those games with a target of late February for her return in time for the Algarve Cup in Portugal.

This is too pivotal of a time to be putting herself first, and the team should take a more stern stance. Extend the suspension and Solo’s World Cup career is most likely over. However, if partying and endangering the lives of others by getting into a car intoxicated are acceptable behavior, especially on team time, then Solo has made her own bed.

It is time for USWNT coach Jill Ellis to put her foot down and make sure the distraction is gone. The team will have more time to deal with it emotionally and mentally. The other keepers on the team will have a better chance of being ready to perform. Winning the World Cup is a priority, but disrespecting your teammates overshadows ability.

Solo should pay for her actions, and Ellis needs to show faith in the rest of her team.

Douglas Smith is a soccer writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DFresh39, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

Related:

20 Bold Predictions for Soccer in 2015

Share Tweet
Trending Now on