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Why Is Hope Solo Allowed to Play Soccer Despite Domestic Abuse Charges?

As America is up in arms over NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's response to the Ray Rice video, Hope Solo is back on the soccer field despite also facing domestic abuse charges. On Thursday, the Olympic gold medalist helped her team, the Seattle Reign, to another victory.  But whereas Rice and the NFL have been all over the news after a video of Rice knocking out his wife surfaced, Solo's charges aren't keeping fans and the U.S. soccer league from cheering Solo on.

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Robyn Ross

As America is up in arms over NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's response to the Ray Rice videoHope Solo is back on the soccer field despite also facing domestic abuse charges.

On Thursday, the Olympic gold medalist helped her team, the Seattle Reign, to another victory.  But whereas Rice and the NFL have been all over the news after a video of Rice knocking out his wife surfaced, Solo's charges aren't keeping fans and the U.S. soccer league from cheering Solo on.

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In June, Solo was arrested on two counts of domestic violence assault following an altercation with her sister and nephew. During the hearing, where Solo pleaded not guilty, the court ordered Solo to stay away from her sister and nephew. The trial has been set for November.

 Soon after the arrest, Solo's team posted a statement on their Facebook page essentially saying that while they hold their players to the highest ethical standards, they'd hope the justice system would clear "Hope of any wrongdoing." Solo was then allowed to return to the field that weekend.

Are people — and the soccer league — turning a blind eye to Solo? Or is the case somehow different?