Sunil K. Gulati and his fellow U.S. Soccer Board members continue to ignore the severity of the acts of domestic violence reportedly committed by goalie Hope Solo who currently plays for Seattle Reign in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), the top division of women's soccer in the United States. Solo is engaged in a legal battle and was ordered to stay away from her 17-year-old nephew and her half-sister and to refrain from using alcohol after the soccer star allegedly punched and tackled the young man earlier this year.

Major news media such as ESPN, Washington Post, NY Times, and TV Guide have all condemned Solo’s actions and questioned the NSWL’s total lack of attention to domestic violence and reducing it in their organization.

Much like our disapproval of acts of violence allegedly committed by other professional athletes in recent weeks – and the subsequent calls for the resignation of their Commissioner – we come with this petition to demand the resignation of Sunil K. Gulati for not only continuing to allow Solo to play soccer, but also for promoting her career and performance on the field. We will not tolerate high-profile athletes’ acts of violence or their respective organizations’ overlooking of violence, regardless of the gender of perpetrator and victim.

A paper copy of this petition statement and all signatures will be delivered via registered mail to NWSL President Sunil K. Gulati and Neil Buethe, Senior Manager of Communications of the U.S. Soccer Federation at:

U.S. Soccer Federation

1801 S. Prairie Ave.

Chicago, IL 60616

Thank you for signing this important document, and please distribute widely on social media while using hashtags #ResignGulati #HopeSolo #ResignGoodell #EndDV

Respectfully,

Todd L. Bottom, Ph.D.