Hope Solo issues apology for 'highly unfortunate incident' last weekend

Soccer star Hope Solo appears in a King County court in Kirkland Monday, June 23, 2014, where she pleaded not guilty to domestic abuse charges involving her sister and nephew. (Photo: KCPQ-TV)



SEATTLE -- Soccer star Hope Solo issued a public apology Thursday for her "highly unfortunate incident" last weekend in which she was arrested after an altercation with her sister and nephew.

On Monday, Solo 32, pleaded not guilty to two counts of fourth-degree domestic violence charges in King County and was released without bail. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 11.

Her lawyer said she was the victim in the fight with her sister and nephew, not the other way around. But she was the only person arrested.

On Thursday, Solo issued the following statement on her Facebook page:

"I would like to apologize to my fans, teammates, coaches, marketing partners and the entire US Soccer and Seattle Reign FC communities for my involvement in a highly unfortunate incident this past weekend. I understand that, as a public figure, I am held to a higher standard of conduct. I take seriously my responsibilities as a role model and sincerely apologize to everyone I have disappointed.

"I love my family dearly. We, like all families, have our challenges but my sincere hope is that we are able to resolve this situation as a family. Adversity has always made us stronger and I know this situation will be no different.

"I also would like to thank everyone who has reached out with messages of support and encouragement. I truly appreciate your loyalty, concern and well wishes.

"Due to pending legal issues, I cannot comment further at this time. However, I am confident in the legal process and believe my name will be cleared.

"I look forward to getting back on the field where I belong with both Seattle Reign FC and the US Women's National Team."

pleaded not guilty to assaulting her sister and nephew, with her lawyer alleging she was the victim, not the other way around.

Police said Solo assaulted her sister and a 17-year-old nephew early last Saturday at her suburban Seattle home. Officers responded to a 911 call for a disturbance in which a male reported that a woman would not stop “hitting people” or leave the house, the statement said.

Once officers arrived on scene, Solo appeared “intoxicated and upset,” police said. She was arrested and held in King County Jail.