Hope Solo, Sexism and Domestic Violence: A Grotesque Double Standard

With the 2015 FIFA Women’s World-Cup underway, many are hoping to see the heavily-favored Americans win the tournament for the first time since they defeated China in 1999. It seems that US Women’s soccer is willing to do what it takes to win the tournament at the expense of protecting star player and all-world goalie Hope Solo.

With domestic violence having been at the forefront in the sporting world, in the aftermath of Baltimore Ravens running back shown on video knocking out his then fiance, many teams have been quick to act on and suspend those who are suspected of committing acts of domestic violence. Just this past October, LA Kings star defensemen Slava Voynov was suspended immediately (and still is while he awaits trial) after reports surfaced that he beat his wife.

Both instances were accompanied by public outrage, and rightfully so. People were calling for Roger Goodell’s head after he gave Ray Rice a meager 2 game suspension. Other NFL players have since had domestic violence charges brought, sparking outrage and disciplinary action by their teams. With the report that recently came out confirming Hope Solo had unresolved domestic violence charges after allegedly striking her 17-year-old nephew, there is little outrage.

Solo recently suited up for Monday’s opening match against Australia, and there is no sign that US Soccer plans to suspend her. The question is why? Is this not a double standard? Wouldn’t there be all sorts of outrage had this happened to say US Men’s goalkeeper Tim Howard? The answer to all of these questions is unequivocally yes!  The only semblance of outrage came from ESPN’s Keith Olbermann.  In his segment that aired last night, he opined that Hope Solo should be suspended from the women’s team.

According to Olbermann:

“Solo deserves immediate suspension with all rights of appeal,” Olbermann said. “Ms. Ellis and Mr. Gulati, however, who have shown this condescending attitude of sports first, reality second, protect the bubble at all times, and have been the worst possible role models for and the worst possible representatives of this country, should be immediately dismissed. If Hope Solo was a player in the National Football League, she’d be under suspension right now,” he opined.  Unfortunately, the issue of domestic violence is one that is significantly slanted against men.  Had this been a man, he would not be playing right now.  Its time for US Soccer to step up and suspend Solo from the World Cup.  Unfortunately, that probably won’t happen, further proof of the grotesque double standard regarding domestic violence.