USOC CEO monitoring Solo case

The chief executive of the U.S. Olympic Committee said he is disturbed by domestic abuse charges against women’s national team goalkeeper Hope Solo, but did not say whether he believes she should face disciplinary action, such as suspension, before the matter plays out in court.

Solo faces two misdemeanor counts of fourth-degree domestic violence stemming from a June 21 altercation with her sister-in-law and 17-year-old nephew at a party in Washington state.

She has pleaded not guilty and the case is scheduled for trial on Nov. 4. She faces up to six months in jail if convicted.

In a statement first reported by USA Today, USOC CEO Scott Blackmun said abuse in all forms is unacceptable.

“The allegations involving Ms. Solo are disturbing and are inconsistent with our expectations of Olympians,” Blackmun said. “ We have had discussions with U.S. Soccer and fully expect them to take action if it is determined that the allegations are true.”

Solo has been with the national team since 2000.

U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati said the organization is standing by its initial decision to let her play until the legal matter is settled.

“U.S. Soccer takes the issue of domestic violence very seriously. From the beginning, we considered the information available and have taken a deliberate and thoughtful approach regarding Hope Solo’s status with the national team,” Gulati said in a statement to the Associated Press.

“Based on that information, U.S. Soccer stands by our decision to allow her to participate with the team as the legal process unfolds. If new information becomes available we will carefully consider it.”