Two-time Olympic gold medalist Hope Solo has issued an apology following her arrest for domestic violence last weekend.
CNN reported that the 32-year-old athlete, who also plays for the Seattle Reign of the National Women's Soccer League, apologized to her teammates and family via Facebook on Thursday after she was accused of assaulting her sister and nephew during a family gathering in Seattle.
"I would like to apologize to my fans, teammates, coaches, marketing partners and the entire U.S. Soccer and Seattle Reign FC communities for my involvement in a highly unfortunate incident this past weekend," Solo wrote in a post. "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."
She added: "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."
Solo, identified in police documents as "Hope Amelia Stevens," entered a not-guilty plea in court Monday to domestic violence charges after a man called police to complain that a woman was "hitting people" at a party she also refused to leave.
According to TMZ, Solo reportedly grabbed her 17-year-old nephew by his hair and repeatedly punched him, then later attacked her sister when she tried to defend her son. Police found "visible injuries" to her sister and nephew and stated Solo was "intoxicated and upset."
In her Facebook apology, Solo thanked everyone who had reached out with messages of support and encouragement during the ordeal.
"Due to pending legal issues, I cannot comment further at this time," she concluded. "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 U.S. Women's National Team."
Solo was released from jail, but has been ordered by a judge to refrain from drinking, and to avoid contact with her nephew and sister.
"Hope is not guilty of any crime," Solo's attorney Todd Maybrown said in an email to the Associated Press. "In fact, our investigation reveals Hope was assaulted and injured during this unfortunate incident. We look forward to the opportunity to present the true facts in court and to having this matter behind Hope very soon."
A pretrial hearing was set for August 11.
