In elementary school, my coach would sit me on the bench whenever I got too agressive on the field. In middle school, my coach pulled me aside when I got too angry at my own teammates. In high school, my coach sat me out for two games because I said something offensive to the other team. In college inter-murals, my friends would make me take a break whenever I got too heated. I personally regret each and every one of those instances, however, Hope Solo has far worse problems than me.

As a former University of Washington athlete, Solo does little to positively represent the school. There is no doubt that Hope is one of the most talented female soccer players in the country, yet her obtrusive behavior and violent actions hardly indicate the level that she has worked so hard to reach.

In the 2007 World Cup, Solo publicly criticized her coach for benching her in the semifinals against Brazil, which resulted in the U.S. team losing 4-0. In 2012, she posted harsh comments about veteran soccer star, Brandi Chastain, on Twitter. In 2014, Solo was charged with 4th degree assault against her sister and nephew. She then told the police officer that her necklace cost more than his entire salary. In 2015, Solo was the lone passenger in the team's vehicle when her husband was arrested for driving under the influence. Later that year, she publicly denounced Sweden by calling them "a bunch of cowards" after they beat the U.S. in a shootout.

I can understand being upset after a game. I can relate to saying things I don't mean to my opponents. I can't, however, understand the point of publicly, via social media and on-air interviews, berating other teammates, coaches, and competitors. I can't understand how the size of her own salary does anything to change the fact that she still inflicted harm upon her own family members.

It's not fair that she was only reprimanded AFTER the 2016 Rio Olympics. It can be viewed as biased that the 35 year old, highly decorated athlete has been playing for the American team since 2000, yet it took 16 years to terminate her contract. Six months of suspension is hardly a deserved punishment for her actions, however maybe a break is all that she will need to realize the consequences of her extreme rage.

"Hope Solo has been a problem for a while now, but she has also been the best female goalkeeper in the world. And in the eyes of U.S. Soccer, the latter was all that mattered." - Matt Calkins

If there is anything to learn from Hope Solo, it is that being ungracious, inconsiderate, angry, and rude will not get you very far in life. We all should hope that she turns her vexation around, otherwise she will be flying solo for the rest of her career.