Solo Faces Unfair Punishment, Lochte Gets Off Easy

Rachael Kriger, Editor in Chief

Team USA had the most dramatic, and controversial, Olympics out of any team this year in Rio. During the Rio Olympics, controversy ensued the most when Ryan Lochte lied about being robbed at gunpoint and Hope Solo called the Swedish National Women’s Soccer Team “cowards.”

Both acts were selfish, on Solo and Lochte’s part. Both actions had something in common: they helped ruin the integrity on which the Olympics was founded on. The Olympic integrity is honoring your opponent and competition fairly before, during, and after the whistle. It is also about honoring the country in which you’re facing the other best athletes in the word.

Both competitors heard the backlash from fans, but when it came to their respective athletic federations, it was much different. While Ryan Lochte received no ban from USA Swimming, Solo received a six-month ban for her actions. In addition, her contract with U.S. Soccer also terminated her contract. However, Solo is still allowed to play for her National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club, the Seattle Reign.

Her teammates have not condoned what Solo said, but said the opposite. Midfielder Megan Rapinoe said she was “disappointed” in Solo for her actions a day after the USWNT’s Olympic loss to Sweden in penalty kicks, which prevented the USWNT from going to the semifinals. It was the first time ever that the team did not make the semifinals in a major tournament.

“Let’s inspire, let’s be badass, let’s be fierce, let’s be competitive,” Rapinoe said. “But we’re gracious and we’re humble, and we play the game a certain way, whether we win or lose. And we’ve been on the winning side quite a bit, and when we find ourselves on the other side, we need to handle that graciously, and unfortunately that wasn’t the case.”

Fellow teammate Alex Morgan opened up about Solo’s ban, calling it a “bummer,” but saying she disagreed with Solo’s comments. Meanwhile, none of Lochte’s USA Swimming teammates have commented on the swimmer’s actions.

The only “ban” that Lochte received was his endorsements from Speedo, Ralph Lauren, Gentle Laser Hair Removal, and Airweave have been cancelled. Meanwhile, Lochte signed a new endorsement deal with Pine Bros. throat lozenges, a cough drop company, as the company wanted to give Lochte “a second chance.”

If we’re comparing the two actions, Lochte’s is much worse. Lying to authorities, no matter which country it is, is a crime by law. He was even charged by Rio de Janiero authorities on August 26 for filing a false robbery report.

According to USA Today Sports, Lochte “will be informed of the charges in the United States and can then decide whether to introduce a defense in Brazil.”

While it wasn’t right for Solo to call Sweden cowards, it isn’t a crime by law and she won’t ever be charged by Rio police for name-calling. Solo certainly does deserve punishment, as this isn’t her first time causing havoc for the USWNT, but six months is a bit much. Solo won’t be able to compete for the USWNT until February 2017.

In a letter given to Solo, that was leaked online, U.S. Soccer thanked Solo “for her service to the team.” With wording like that, it seems that this might be the end for Solo’s impeccable career with the USWNT, that included her reaching 100 career international shutouts this year, which made her the first goalkeeper ever- male or female- to reach the century mark.

Meanwhile for Lochte, USA Swimming officials have not commented on his stance with the team. Lochte has mentioned that he wants to swim in the Tokyo Olympics, which will occur in 2020 when Lochte will be 36 years old. If Solo does not return to the USWNT after her six-month ban, then Lochte should not be able to get in a pool with USA Swimming again.

The more stern punishment went to the wrong person, so Lochte better make good with his second chance while Solo’s road with the national team might be over.