KIRKLAND, Wash. -- Hope Solo was acting in self defense, when she got into an altercation with two family members.
That's the argument now presented by Solo's attorney, Todd Maybrown, who made it sound on Tuesday like the US Women's National Team star will fight the allegations to trial.
Solo was arrested and jailed back in June, accused of assaulting her sister and 17-year-old nephew. She is charged with two counts of assault in the 4th degree and has pleaded not guilty.
A Kirkland Municipal Court judge ruled that Maybrown should be allowed to depose the two alleged victims, and delayed Solo's trial until at least January as a result. It was scheduled to start on November 17th.
New court documents reveal that prosecutors have unearthed a video of Solo's jail booking may use it during Solo's trial. It is unclear what exactly the video shows, but the jail officers have been subpoenaed to testify as have the arresting officers from the night in question.
The stakes are high for Solo in the case. Critics have accused U.S. Soccer of failing to properly address the matter in the wake of the NFL's handling of the Ray Rice domestic violence case. Solo's former teammate, Jillian Loyden, has also criticized the National Women's Soccer League, for its handling of Solo, who stars for the Seattle Reign FC. Loyden wrote, "Our league can no longer turn a blind eye to the allegations that Solo assaulted two family members."
The newly released court documents also suggest prosecutors will poke holes in the self defense claim, and have asked for Solo's medical records, and question how she could have returned to a "physically demanding" practice schedule with the Reign FC immediately after the incident.
Other court documents show that Maybrown will likely take issue with a Facebook post by the alleged teenage victim, claiming he boasted about being involved in the altercation. There was also an email from a Kirkland City Prosecutor, to Maybrown, three and a half weeks ago, which offered a plea deal to Solo if she plead guilty to at least one count. It is not clear if Maybrown, or Solo, responded. It may be, because at this point, there could be severe consequences if Solo is found guilty of a crime.
The U.S. Women's National Team is just months away from competing in the Women's World Cup, which will take place in Canada in 2015. Critics have suggested that Solo's status with the team could be jeopardized for that tournament if she is convicted, and her Canadian immigration status could also be impacted by the outcome of the case.
The USWNT is scheduled to play four games next month in "International Tournament of Brasilia"
A Jan. 6 trial date has been set for U.S. national soccer team goalkeeper Hope Solo on misdemeanor domestic violence charges.
Solo's nephew told police she was upset and appeared to have been drinking when she arrived at a family gathering. Solo's lawyer has said she was a victim in the altercation.
The 32-year-old Solo has won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S. women's national team.
