Hope Solo Domestic Violence Assault: US Soccer & Nike Still Support Goalkeeper Amid Allegations

Despite being involved in domestic violence charges, American soccer goalkeeper Hope Solo is still being backed by US Soccer and Nike, the brand which she endorses.

The 33-year-old two-time Olympic gold medalist is currently facing two counts of misdemeanor for a fourth-degree domestic violence assault last June 21 in Washington. The incident involved her sister and a 17-year-old nephew who were both attending a family gathering with the athlete.

Earlier reports revealed that the incident might have been sparked by Solo's drinking prior to her arrival in the family gathering. Court documents indicated that she even engaged into a fistfight with her nephew.

New York Daily News reported that Solo pleaded "not guilty" on the charge which is punishable with six months jail time.

In a statement quoted by New York Daily News, US Soccer president Sunil Gulati said that they will allow Solo to play until the legal issue is solved.

"US 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," he explained in the statement.

He added that they will stand by their decision and would consider and carefully study new information if it become available.

This release of the US Soccer leadership also supported the earlier statement of US Olympic Committee chief executive officer Scott Blackmun who expressed his concern for Solo's case but doubted if she needed to be disciplined for it.

"The allegations involving Ms. Solo are disturbing and are inconsistent with our expectations of Olympians. We have had discussions with US Soccer and fully expect them to take action if it is determined that the allegations are true," Blackmun said in the New York Daily News report.

Aside from the outpouring of support from the US Soccer, Solo has also received good treatment from Nike which, according to Oregon Live, is also keeping its sponsorship with the athlete.

"We are aware of the allegations and that Hope Solo has pled not guilty to the charges. Hope remains a Nike athlete and we will continue to monitor the situation," Nike spokesperson Greg Rossiter told Oregon Live.

Solo, according to the report, is expected to start in goal for the US women team next month in the CONCACAF championship at the PPL Park in Pennsylvania. This tournament is an entry pass to the Women's World Cup in Canada which will be held next summer.

Her legal counsel, Todd Maybrown, has repeatedly maintained her innocence and claimed that she was even the victim of the incident.

"In fact, our investigation reveals that Hope was assaulted and injured during this unfortunate incident. We look forward to the opportunity to present the true facts in court and to having this matter behind Hope very soon," Maybrown was quoted by New York Daily News as saying.