Soccer star Hope Solo pleads not guilty to assault

SEATTLE - U.S. women's soccer goalkeeper Hope Solo appeared in court Monday and pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from her domestic violence arrest at her sister's home in suburban Seattle.

She was released without bail and was ordered not to have contact with the alleged victims and to not drink alcohol.

Authorities say Solo was intoxicated early Saturday when she was accused of assaulting her sister and 17-year-old nephew. She was booked into jail for investigation of two counts of fourth-degree domestic violence assault.

Solo's lawyer, Todd Maybrown, maintains his client was a victim in the altercation. In court Monday, Maybrown said a probable cause affidavit alleges the soccer star was hit over the head with a broom handle.

The 32-year-old Solo grew up in Richland, Wash., and attended the University of Washington. She has won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S. women's national team and also plays with the Seattle Reign of the National Women's Soccer League.

In 2012, she married former Seattle Seahawks tight end Jerramy Stevens. He was arrested just before their wedding for investigation of assault after a disturbance involving her, but he was not charged. Maybrown represented Stevens in that case.

Solo said soon afterward that there never was an assault and that she and her new husband were happy.

Solo's next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 11.