Separate an athlete's personal life from their professional career

The difference in treatment toward male and female athletes is undeniably very present in the world of sports, and we believe that this shouldn't be. As seen in the case of Hope Solo, United States Women’s National Team goalkeeper, who was wrongfully discharged from the national team due to some unnecessary comments made toward the Swedish national team. Although a consequence was appropriate in the matter, the suspension was not rightfully given; if any male player were to do the same as she did, the consequence would have not been the same. In a statement issued regarding the goalkeeper’s suspension, the US Soccer Federation stated that their motives for the suspension were also influenced by the previous issues and cases surrounding Solo, some of which had nothing to do with the sport. On the other hand, Luis Suarez, a very popular player for the Uruguay National Soccer team and FC Barcelona, has done more damage to other players than Hope Solo. Suarez, one of the more controversial players, has bitten three different soccer players, each on different occasions. While it is obvious that he defied the rules of the sport, his consequences were unfairly given, compared to those of Hope Solo. While Hope Solo was suspended for six months and not allowed a contract renewal, Suarez had to sit out approximately 11 games per bite. The two incidents are completely different, but it is obvious that one is more serious than the other; the consequences are unfairly given, and while we do understand that it's not the players' fault, it is those who give the final verdict, it's unfair that Hope Solo's personal issues were taken into consideration, while Luis Suarez's personal issues weren't. What we present before you is a petition, calling for separation between a player’s personal life and their professional career. If a male athlete’s personal issues aren't taken into consideration when deciding on a consequence, then the same should occur in a female athlete’s situation.