September 8 – US women’s national team head coach Jill Ellis has spoken for the first time about the full reasons behind the decision to ban Hope Solo, the best-known goalkeeper in women’s football, for six months and terminate her contract.
The ban was imposed following Solo’s comments at the Olympics when she described opponents Sweden as “a bunch of cowards” for their ultra-defensive style in eliminating the US in the quarterfinals.
Solo, who has made 202 appearances for her country, has never apologized but Ellis said the punishment was imposed because of a series of transgressions.
“Over time there’s been off-the-field distractions, and the federation has taken action,” she was quoted as saying.
“Each time action has been taken, there’s been made clear an expectation that this would be the last time such a step would be necessary. Sadly, Hope’s postgame comments forced us to make a significant decision. It wasn’t a decision just made about comments. It was a sum total of actions that have unfortunately shown a negative light on our program.”
Solo has also opted not to play for the Seattle Reign, her NWSL club, for the remainder of the year.
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