United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) head coach Gregg Berhalter released in a statement on Tuesday that he kicked his wife, Rosalind, during an argument in 1991 — which was brought to the attention of US Soccer during the World Cup last month by an individual looking to “take down” the coach.
“During the World Cup,” Berhalter’s statement on Tuesday began, “an individual contacted US Soccer, saying that they had information about me that would ‘take me down’ — an apparent effort to leverage something very personal from long ago to bring about the end of my relationship with US Soccer.”
Berhalter proceeded to explain that during a “heated argument” while drinking at a bar in the fall of 1991, “it became physical and I kicked her in the legs.”
“There are zero excuses for my actions that night,” Berhalter wrote. “It was a shameful moment and one that I regret to this day.”
— Gregg Berhalter (@GreggBerhalter_) January 3, 2023
US Soccer launched an independent investigation after learning of the allegations on Dec. 11 — eight days after USMNT was eliminated from the World Cup in the Round of 16 against the Netherlands — which is being led by Jenny Kramer, BJay Pak , and Chris Marquardt of Alston & Bird LLP.
“Through this process, U.S. Soccer has learned about potential inappropriate behavior towards multiple members of our staff by individuals outside of our organization,” US Soccer’s statement on Tuesday read. “We take such behavior seriously and have expanded our investigation to include those allegations.
“We appreciate Gregg and Rosalind coming forward to speak openly about this incident. Consistent with our commitment to transparency, we will share the results of the investigation publicly when it is complete. U.S. Soccer condemns violence of any kind and takes such allegations very seriously.”
The investigation into Berhalter remains ongoing and the status of his job appears to be in question. US Soccer also launched a full technical review of the men’s team’s program where they will announce who will lead its January camp “in the coming days.”
That’s a responsibility usually reserved for the head coach, though his contract with US Soccer expired on Dec. 31.
Berhalter was appointed manager of the men’s national team in 2018, helping it qualify for the 2022 World Cup and make the Round of 16 for the fifth time since 1994.
