Solo: Fight for equal pay led to U.S. soccer contract termination

Ex-U.S. women's national team goalkeeper Hope Solo says her contract termination with the country's soccer governing body came down not to comments made about Team Sweden at Rio 2016, but due to her long and controversial past with the organization.

Solo was handed a six-month suspension and saw her contract with U.S. soccer torn up after referring to Sweden as "cowards" after the Americans crashed out of the quarterfinals at Rio 2016.

But Solo, speaking in an episode of the documentary "Keeping Score," said the ban and firing is actually due to other moments of controversy throughout her career.

"Literally 17 years on this team and then to be treated this way in the end is ... not surprising from U.S. Soccer, to be honest," Solo said, as quoted by Sports Illustrated.

"I feel like I’m being pushed out 'cause it can't be based off performance, my health. It can't be based off anything but they don't like me ... because they know I've been fighting so hard for equal pay."

Solo has been a strong proponent for equal pay between the U.S. women's and men's national programs, as well as a voice for equal treatment in conditions, such as advocating for the use of non-artificial surfaces in the 2015 FIFA World Cup.

But she's also been the subject of controversy, particularly after being arrested on charges of domestic violence.

It's those issues Solo said explains the decision to terminate her contract.

"They're going to use my comments as an excuse to get rid of me forever so that they don't have to deal with such a strong voice and opposition to field conditions and playing conditions and pay," Solo said. "I think I'm just a thorn in their side and it's time for them to cut their losses."