David Whitley: Hope Solo benefits from double standard in domestic dispute cases
Ray Rice has made some bad decisions in his life. Among the worst was becoming a male football player.
If he were a female soccer player, he could slug just about anyone he wants.
The proof is in goal for the U.S. in the Women’s World Cup.
Everybody knew Hope Solo was a one-woman reality show. We just didn’t realize how gnarly she could be until an ESPN “Outside the Lines” report.
It fleshed out a domestic-abuse incident last summer and left you wondering if the NFL has taken over U.S. Soccer.
The organization is apparently willing to employ anybody who’ll help it win. The difference is Roger Goodell looks strict compared to the powers running U.S. Soccer. And Solo still has apologists who recoil at Rice comparisons.
Excuse No. 1: The charges against her were dropped.
So were domestic violence charges against Greg Hardy. But he was still forced to sit out 15 games (with pay) last season.
After Solo was charged last summer, she didn’t miss any time with the Seattle Reign or with the U.S. team during World Cup qualifying rounds.
Excuse No. 2: People should be considered innocent until proven guilty.
What about Ray McDonald? He was accused of domestic violence but never charged, yet everybody from Steve Young to Nancy Pelosi criticized the 49ers for playing him.
Excuse No. 3: When it comes to domestic abuse, soccer isn’t nearly as bad as the NFL. Duh.
Excuse No. 4: It’s old news.
Nope. ESPN’s report thoroughly contradicted the tale Solo has been spinning. According to police reports, she showed up drunk to a party and started insulting her 17-year-old nephew.
She grabbed his hair, punched him and tried to bounce his head off a cement floor. He had a bloody ear and torn T-shirt to prove it.
Solo also attacked her half-sister, who tried to intervene. She threatened and insulted jailers and police, telling one that the necklace she was wearing cost more than the officer made all year.
The charges were dropped in January, largely on procedural grounds. The prosecutor appealed and will file new arguments in July. Not that U.S. Soccer cares.
“That was a long time ago,” coach Jill Ellis said. “I’ll be honest, we’ve moved on.”
Goodell tried that approach with Rice and rightfully won universal condemnation. But at least Rice didn’t have a history of anger mismanagement.
Like in January, when her husband, ex-Seattle Seahawks tight end Jerramy Stevens, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence while driving a U.S. team van. Solo was a passenger and not charged, but she was reportedly belligerent and didn’t tell U.S. Soccer about it until officials saw it on TMZ.
She was suspended 30 days, giving her plenty of time to return for the World Cup. Which brings us to Excuse No. 5: She’ll help us win!
That’s enough for the Dallas Cowboys, but isn’t it embarrassing to hold yourself to the same ethical standard as Jerry Jones? And isn’t it sexist to hold Solo to a lower standard than your average NFL troublemaker?
Solo isn’t accused of punching anyone’s fiancee in an elevator, but imagine if Rice had pummeled his nephew and the kid’s mother?
If his name were Hope Rice and he could stop penalty kicks, he’d be in goal for the U.S..
When it comes to double standards, any excuse will do.