Hope Solo Arrested for Allegedly Assaulting Sister, Nephew
Soccer star Hope Solo was arrested over the weekend on suspicion of domestic violence.
Solo, the goalkeeper for the gold medal-winning U.S. Women's National Team and the Seattle Reign professional team, is accused of assaulting both her sister and nephew, Reuters reports. Solo's lawyer, however, claims that Solo was the one assaulted in the incident.
What are police saying Solo did to get hit with this real-life red card?
Allegedly Intoxicated and Upset
Police responded to a 911 call early Sunday from Solo's home in Kirkland, Washington, just outside of Seattle. According to a police statement, officers could hear a "disturbance" from outside. When they entered the house, they reported finding Solo intoxicated and upset.
Police also say they found Solo's 17-year-old nephew and adult sister with visible injuries. Solo was arrested on two counts of domestic violence and taken into custody.
Solo is being charged with domestic violence assault in the fourth degree. Under Washington law, assault in the fourth degree is a "gross misdemeanor" punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. However, there may be additional sentencing enhancements for being charged under domestic violence.
Claims of Innocence
Solo's lawyer released a statement claiming that Solo was innocent of the charges and was, in fact, the victim of assault herself.
"Hope is not guilty of any crime," Solo's attorney Todd Maybrown said in the statement, according to Reuters. "In fact, our investigation reveals that Hope was assaulted and injured during this unfortunate incident."
Solo is set to appear in court today.
Solo already has something of a checkered past when it comes to domestic violence issues. The night before her 2012 wedding, she was involved in an alleged altercation with now-husband Jerramy Stevens. Stevens was arrested, but later released without charges.
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Related Resources:
- Hope Solo Arrested for Investigation of Domestic Violence (The Seattle Times)
- Domestic Violence (FindLaw)
- Hope Solo 911 Calls Released From Jerramy Stevens Fight (FindLaw's Tarnished Twenty)
- 5 Potential Defenses to Domestic Violence (FindLaw's Blotter)