

(Jen Fuller / Getty Images)

U.S. Soccer explained its decision to allow goalkeeper Hope Solo to continue to play for the U.S. women’s national team as she awaits trial on domestic violence charges, saying that it 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,” U.S. Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati said in a statement released Monday night. “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.”

Solo is continuing to play as she faces a November trial on two charges, a decision that, in light of the NFL’s recent controversy over the issue, has drawn some criticism.

The U.S. Olympic Committee also weighed in on the matter Monday evening, with Scott Blackmun, the USOC’s chief executive officer, writing that “abuse in all forms is unacceptable,” in an email to USA Today. “The allegations involving Ms. Solo are disturbing and are inconsistent with our expectations of Olympians. We have had discussions with U.S. Soccer and fully expect them to take action if it is determined that the allegations are true.”

As with NFL stars, there are concerns about Solo’s right to due process. In addition, in Solo’s case, the U.S. Amateur Sports Act also is believed to play a role in the decision-making. Solo was arrested in June on charges of allegedly punching her 17-year-old nephew and, when his mother intervened, Solo allegedly attacked her, too. Solo has pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanor charges and has continued to play for the national team in friendly matches ahead of next summer’s World Cup.

At a time of unprecedented awareness and national debate over the status of sports stars accused of domestic violence, Solo’s presence has drawn heightened attention, especially when she wore a captain’s armband at a match last week.