Soccer star Hope Solo no longer faces domestic violence charges after the case against her was dismissed Tuesday by a judge who agreed that the alleged victims hadn't cooperated during the investigation.
Solo, the longtime goaltender for the U.S. women's national team and two-time Olympic gold medalist, said the decision means she can focus "with a clear mind" on training for this year's Women's World Cup in Canada.
She was arrested June 21 in Kirkland, Washington, and jailed on two counts of fourth-degree domestic violence assault over accusations she attacked her sister and 17-year-old nephew.
According to KING-TV news, Kirkland Judge Michael Lambo dismissed the case after Solo's attorney, Todd Maybrown, argued the alleged victims failed to show up for scheduled interviews and had changed their stories about what happened, which prosecutors disputed.
Maybrown argued in court papers that Solo was the victim, saying she received a concussion after her nephew, upset over a comment she made about his weight and demeanor, hit her in the head with a broomstick, according to the New York Times. The nephew alleged he called Solo a name, at which point she attacked him, the paper reported.
Maybrown told KING-TV reporter Chris Daniels that Solo has been through a "terrible ordeal" but that they are "grateful the court has dismissed the charges."
"If the case had been reviewed carefully at the outset, no charges would have been filed," he said.
Solo released a statement on the decision, saying it "brings closure to what has been one of the most difficult and emotionally draining times of my life."
"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," she said.
She said she looks forward to joining the U.S. team "with a clear mind to train, compete, and help bring a World Cup title to the U.S. in 2015."
Solo, 33, plays for the Seattle Reign in the National Women's Soccer League. She won Olympic gold medals as the starting goalkeeper for the U.S. women's team in 2008 and 2012.
[SportsNetwork.com]
