Yesterday on June 27th, Seattle Reign Soccer player Hope Solo, released apology statements concerning her recent arrest for assaulting her sister and her nephew (her sister’s son). Her Facebook and Twitter accounts read, “I love my family dearly. We, like all families, have our challenges but my sincere hope is that we are able to resolve this situation as a family,” she said. “Adversity has always made us stronger and I know this situation will be no different.”
The Seattle Soccer goal keeper was arrested and charged with two counts of fourth-degree domestic violence last weekend when she allegedly hit both her nephew and sister during a heated argument at a family function. According to reports, Solo had been drinking when she arrived at her sister’s house located in Kirkland Washington. Apparently, Solo became very angry when she was talking with her 17-year-old nephew about his acting career and aspirations, she lashed out and started criticizing him by calling him fat and crazy. Solo’s sister tried to dissipate the situation and that’s when Auntie Hope punched her sister in the face. Next the teenage boy came to his mother’s aid and grabbed a broom and smashed it over Solo’s head. The altercation ended with the nephew pointing his BB gun at his Aunt Solo telling her to get out of their house.
“Hope is not guilty of a crime,” stated her criminal defense attorney. “In fact, our investigation reveals that Hope was assaulted and injured during this unfortunate incident. We look forward to the opportunity to present the true facts in court and to having this matter behind Hope very soon,” shared her defense attorney in an email he had written to The Associated Press.
The 32-year-old star soccer player pled not guilty to the domestic violence charges on Monday in the Kirkland Municipal Court, as she feels she was the victim in this altercation.
The two-time Olympic gold soccer gold medalist is scheduled for her second court appearance on August 11, 2014.
Here is Hope Solo’s Facebook apology in its entirety, “I would like to apologize to my fans, teammates, coaches, marketing partners and the entire US Soccer and Seattle Reign FC communities for my involvement in a highly unfortunate incident this past weekend. I understand that, as a public figure, I am held to a higher standard of conduct. I take seriously my responsibilities as a role model and sincerely apologize to everyone I have disappointed.
I love my family dearly. We, like all families, have our challenges but my sincere hope is that we are able to resolve this situation as a family. Adversity has always made us stronger and I know this situation will be no different.
I also would like to thank everyone who has reached out with messages of support and encouragement. I truly appreciate your loyalty, concern and well wishes.
Due to pending legal issues, I cannot comment further at this time. However, I am confident in the legal process and believe my name will be cleared.
I look forward to getting back on the field where I belong with both Seattle Reign FC and the US Women’s National Team.”
Written by Sarah Ann