A Kirkland, Washington, judge dismissed domestic violence charges against goalkeeper Hope Solo on Tuesday.
“Today’s decision brings closure to what has been one of the most difficult and emotionally draining times of my life,” Solo reflected on Facebook. “I always had faith that once the facts of the case were presented, I would be cleared of all charges and I am so happy and relieved to finally have it all behind me.”
Not all of her fair-weather Facebook friends welcomed the news.
“Yeah, I still think it’s lame that you were eligible to play while some under similar circumstances were not,” one commenter opined. “Load of crap.” “You’re a drunk abuser!” another alleged. “The judge had no options but dismiss because witnesses failed to appear. No facts were reviewed at all.”
The two-time Olympic gold medalist faced the charges after a July incident involving a nephew and half sister. Neither Nike nor the US women’s soccer team dropped the goalie despite similar charges derailing the careers of male athletes.