EXCLUSIVE: Hope Solo Talks to Robin Roberts About Domestic Violence Assault Allegations, Soccer Suspension
— -- U.S. women’s soccer goalkeeper Hope Solo opened up to “Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts about her recent suspension from the sport and alleged domestic violence assault charges that were brought against her but later dropped.
Solo, who plays professionally for Seattle Reign and belongs to the U.S. national women’s soccer team, addressed being suspended after the U.S. Soccer team van her husband was driving and in which she was a passenger was pulled over last month.
Her husband, former NFL player Jerramy Stevens, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
When Roberts asked Solo, 33, what she was thinking during that incident, the two-time Olympic gold medalist replied: “Well, clearly, I wasn’t thinking. I mean, it was a horrible choice. ... I think I just wasn’t in a good place, emotionally, to even make good decisions. I mean, it’s not an excuse but I just, it was stupid. Should've called a taxi.”
Solo served a 30-day suspension from soccer and was reinstated on Saturday.
Roberts also talked with Solo about domestic violence charges that were brought against her last year following a dispute at a family gathering in Seattle.
Solo had been accused of assaulting her half-sister and 17-year-old nephew, and had been charged with two counts of fourth-degree domestic violence assault to which she pleaded not guilty. The charges were dropped in January shortly before a trial was scheduled to begin.
Unlike male professional sports players in similar legal trouble -- including several high-profile domestic violence cases in the NFL -- Solo was not suspended.
“How do you respond to those critics who say, ‘Hey wait a minute ... is that fair?’” Roberts asked.
“All of us, in my opinion, have a fundamental right to be considered innocent until proven guilty. ... I know U.S. Soccer took a lot of heat,” she said. “But I am very grateful that they let due process play itself out. Those eight months were some of the worst months of my entire life.”
The full interview with Solo is scheduled to air Wednesday morning on “Good Morning America.”
