If Hope Solo’s legal problems are going to lead to a professional hit, it won’t come until after the courtroom drama plays out. At least, that’s what the Seattle Reign said today, confirming the National Women’s Soccer League club’s concern won’t lead to action until the state of Washington has drawn its conclusions.
U.S. Soccer, Solo’s main employeer, could decide to go in another direction, but with World Cup qualifying taking place in October, the federation can take a wait-and-see approach pending Solo’s August trial.
The Reign were in a tougher situation, with the team scheduled to host Sky Blue FC on Saturday. According to a statement posted to the team’s Facebook, Solo will be available for selection when the NWSL leaders go for their 12th win in 14 games.
From the team’s Facebook:Like many of you, last Saturday we awoke to the news that a member of our team, Hope Solo, had been arrested. Since that time we have been gathering information about the situation and have engaged in many discussions in an effort to determine the best path forward.
This investigation, which has included multiple conversations with Hope, made it clear that there are differing perspectives on the events that led up to Hope’s arrest. As such, we feel it is fair and prudent to await the outcome of the legal process before making a final judgment about the incident.
That being said, it should be understood that we hold all of our players, coaches, and employees to the highest ethical and moral standard. In the event any Seattle Reign FC player is convicted of a serious crime the consequences will be significant and swift.
At first blush, it’s the obvious move. It’d be unfair to suspend Solo when there’s a chance her two domestic assault charges won’t hold up. As strong as some people feel about what her arrest implies, those feelings could yet prove ill-founded.
Seattle, however, has made it clear. If Solo’s found guilty, she’ll likely be suspended, a decision that could result in couple of potential twists:
- Seattle’s regular season ends on August 17. The league’s championship game is August 31. Would the Reign be prepared to suspend Solo for the post season, if she’s found guilty?
- Solo turns 33 on July 30. There’s already talk she might walk away if the U.S. wins the World Cup next summer. If she is handed a significant suspension by the Reign, what’s her incentive to continue her club career? Particularly if the U.S. calls an early camp next spring?
If Solo ends up being found not guilty, she plays in this year’s playoffs, perhaps wins a title, and stays on a normal course for next year’s World Cup. If she’s found guilty, a few other dominoes could fall.