Goalkeeper Hope Solo made controversial remarks following the US national team's exit from the Rio Olympics, and she is now facing the consequences for those comments.
US Soccer announced on Wednesday they have suspended Solo for six months "for conduct that is counter to the organization's principles."
The suspension, which will last until Feb. 2017, is the second on the USWNT for the veteran, who was previously suspended 30 days in 2015.
"The comments by Hope Solo after the match against Sweden during the 2016 Olympics were unacceptable and do not meet the standard of conduct we require from our National Team players," said US Soccer president Sunil Gulati in a statement. "Beyond the athletic arena, and beyond the results, the Olympics celebrate and represent the ideals of fair play and respect. We expect all of our representatives to honor those principles, with no exceptions.
"Taking into consideration the past incidents involving Hope, as well as the private conversations we've had requiring her to conduct herself in a manner befitting a US national team member, US Soccer determined this is the appropriate disciplinary action."
Following the USWNT's shock quarterfinal exit to Sweden, Hope said immediately after the game "we lost to a bunch of cowards," and explaining that Sweden's defensive style, which helped them earn the silver medal in the tournament, meant "the better team did not win."
