Hope Solo failed a drug test and receives a public warning as punishment, which will have no affect over her eligibility for the Olympics. Solo tested positive for Canrenone on June 15, the day before the USWNT played Sweden in a friendly in the Volvo Winners Cup. Canrenone is a diuretic and is banned by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency because it can be used to flush the system.
The USADA and U.S. Soccer believe Solo's explanation for why the substance was in her body. Solo said Canrenone was contained in a medication she was legitimately prescribed by a doctor for pre-menstrual purposes.
Solo's statement:
"I took a medication prescribed by my personal doctor for pre-menstrual purposes that I did not know contained a diuretic. Once informed of this fact, I immediately cooperated with USADA and shared with them everything they needed to properly conclude that I made an honest mistake, and that the medication did not enhance my performance in any way. As someone who believes in clean sport, I am glad to have worked with USADA to resolve this matter and I look forward to representing my country at the 2012 Olympic Games in London."
U.S. Soccer's statement:
"U.S. Soccer received notification from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency that Hope Solo tested positive for a banned substance from an out-of competition urine sample she provided on June 15. After discussions with Hope, we fully support her clarification that the positive test for Canrenone was due to the use of a prescribed medication from a personal doctor for pre-menstrual purposes and not related to performance enhancement in any way."
The headline is shocking, but the result of this situation is far from disastrous. This is a public relations problem for Solo, but her representatives have handled it properly thus far by releasing a well-constructed statement. Solo did not try to deny the test, but explained why Canrenone was in her system. She admitted she made a mistake and is firm that the drug did not enhance her performance. The statement ends on a positive note by referencing the Olympics. U.S. Soccer dealt with Solo's positive test in the right manner. They showed their support for one of their most recognizable athletes.
This should be the last we hear about the drug test from Solo and U.S. Soccer. Their PR teams want to control what is being said, so any set up interviews or press conferences will compromise that. She should keep her regular media routine, which will be amped up because of the Olympics, but not do any additional media engagements specifically about the drug test. She will be asked about it and she should stick to the message in her statement. U.S. Soccer and Solo have yet to tweet anything since the story broke, so it seems the PR teams are keeping a tight lid on communications. Solo is known for her twitter outburst and having one at this time would be detrimental. They want to move on from the situation, so continuing to bring it up would be a mistake.
It is yet to be determined how much this will hurt Solo. She may be acquitted by the USADA, but public opinion is still open. The fact that Solo is still able to play in the Olympics helps this from being a public relations nightmare. Once the Olympics start, other story lines will emerge and this indecent will be old news. The public will be more concerned with winning gold.
Photo Credit: Nike
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