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After the shocking news that Hope Solo is to be suspended from the USWNT for the next 6 months, making February of 2017 the next time she will be able to be called up by U.S. Soccer, it didn’t take long for either Hope Solo or the USWNT Players Association to respond.
— Hope Solo (@hopesolo) August 25, 2016
Solo's reply to her suspension made no mention on whether she will seek to overturn the six-month ban she faces. But soon after, Rich Nichols, executive director of the USWNT Players Association, put out a statement answering that question.
SI: Response to Hope Solo suspension from Rich Nichols, executive director, USWNT Players Association pic.twitter.com/ZOPsYgSCk7
— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) August 25, 2016
The statement, while short, does not hedge any bets. It very clearly calls the decision, at least in part, sexist. The EEOC equal pay filing, which includes Hope Solo's name, might be in the back of onlookers' minds.
On top of the six-month suspension, Solo also had her contract terminated by U.S. Soccer. It is being reported that she will receive three months of severance pay, and will continue to be paid for her NWSL play with Seattle Reign FC. Reign FC representatives did not have any further comments when Sounder at Heart reached out, but did state that they are speaking with Hope and representatives from U.S. Soccer.