Hope Solo is being given the benefit of the doubt. So, too, is Jillian Loyden.
Loyden, the U.S. Soccer Women's National Team backup goalkeeper, wrote a guest column for USA TODAY Sports, asking for the U.S. Soccer Federation to respond to allegations of domestic violence against current USWNT starting goalkeeper Hope Solo.
Public outrage lacking over Hope Solo's domestic violence charge
Solo is awaiting a trial on November after being accused of hitting her nephew and sister at her sister's home in Kirkland, Wash., in June. Solo and her 17-year-old nephew allegedly became engaged in a physical altercation, at which point the teen's mother tried to intervene and Solo attacked her.
Loyden wrote that her sister Britton Loyden died as a result of domestic violence at the hands of Britton's former fiancé in 2012. Loyden has started the Jillian Loyden Foundation in honor of her sister; the foundation that provides help to children in domestic violence situations.
Hope Solo's domestic-violence charge overshadows pursuit of shutout record
Jillian Loyden obviously is passionate about the subject and has every right to ask questions about the allegations against Solo.
" ... But U.S. Soccer must be the gold standard beyond the field as well. I believe that individuals are innocent until proven guilty, but in failing to take action against players' behavior off the field, the league is not living up to its responsibilities," she wrote in USA TODAY Sports.
"U.S. Soccer needs to send the right message. They need to communicate that domestic violence is never OK and that it will not be tolerated.
"Speaking out on these issues is not always easy. Solo is my teammate and a personal mentor. But I cannot stand by as young fans receive the message that this behavior - even if the allegations proved to be inaccurate - can go unnoticed.
"A couple weeks ago, Hope broke an international record with an incredible 73 shutouts. But instead of celebrating the new record, the league should endeavor to post a shutout on domestic violence. Our league can no longer turn a blind eye to the allegations that Solo assaulted two family members."
The two questions that must be raised regarding Loyden's stance, which so far have not been addressed are: Has she tried to speak with Solo about her feelings? And did she try to talk to U.S. Soccer Federation officials about her concerns before going public?
If so, she has every right to go public with her feelings if she feels her words have fallen on deaf ears. And if her words have fallen on deaf ears, should she herself boycott the team until the issue is resolved?
If U.S. Soccer is allowing something to happen she feels passionate against, is a public letter the best course of action? There are several other members of the team that have nothing to do with Solo's situation that now are burdened with the ordeal.
And if Solo is exonerated of all charges, what happens moving forward?
Loyden felt she had to speak out, and who could blame her - as long as it wasn't her first act of speaking out.
Do you think the U.S. Soccer Federation should address the Hope Solo situation before her trial next month? Comment below or tell us @SportsWN.
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