Wambach & McNeill Suspended

Today WPS announced the 1-game suspensions of the Washington Freedom's Abby Wambach for a tackle that "was reckless and resulted in a potentially season-ending injury of an opposing player" as well as Saint Louis Athletica's Kia McNeill for "persistent egregious conduct toward an opposing player."

I've said before that I AM NOT a Wambach fan. I repeat...NOT a fan. I never have been and probably never will be. However, I do not, under any circumstance, think that Wambach deserved a suspension. Don't get me wrong, I agree that the tackle was reckless, careless, and straight up sloppy. In my eyes it was yellow card worthy (which she got) and had Daniela not have been injured on the play, it would've never been talked about again. And then you say, "but Daniela did get hurt, that's the point" Yes, unfortunately that was the 'result' of the play, but people shouldn't use the result to make the cause out to be more than what it really was.

Here's my other issue -- After reviewing the game footage, coaches notes, and other supporting documents, the WPS Disciplinary Committee ruled that no suspensions were warranted. Commissioner Antonucci disagreed, and overturned the Committee's decision! Don't get me wrong, Tonya Antonucci is a great leader who I really admire and her decision was made with the best of intentions. But, it begs the question, "Why even have a Disciplinary Committee?" I mean, if Commissioner Antonucci is going to make the final decision anyway, why not save time and have her just tell the Committee how she wants them to vote.

The two positive things that came out of this: McNeill got a taste of karma and Antonucci approached US Soccer regarding referee assignments! Hmm...I know one ref who won't be back!

Daniela Out Indefinitely

Earlier today, St. Louis Athletica released the following statement regarding star player Daniela's condition:

"Daniela will be out indefinitely," said team physician, Dr. Brophy. "She does have a significant knee injury. She faces a lengthy recovery and extensive treatment before she returns to play."

According to the report, Daniela's MRI confirms she injured two knee ligaments and also sustained a crack in her tibia. I may not have gone to medical school, but I've gone through my fair share of injuries (including a cracked tibia) and I'm tellin' you, she is out for the entire season. If she goes back too soon, she risks causing significant long-term damage to the leg.

Obviously this is a huge blow to St. Louis, who was already struggling offensively, but what's also interesting is the recent chatter on message boards and blogs --

People actually believe that the knee injury, caused by a dangerous tackle on Saturday from Washington's Abby Wambach, was actually an act of retaliation by Wambach for the rough play she fell victim to in the first half. I have never been a big fan of Wambach, but I don't believe she'd intentionally hurt a player. Luckily, we have it on tape so you can judge for yourself.

(The injury occurs at the 2min mark in the video)

Hope Solo Quote:
"I know Abby means well, I know she has a good heart and she would never want to see a player go down, but in the emotions of a game, it was right after the kickoff after they scored, there are too many emotions and she went in two-footed." - Washington Post

Abby Wambach Quote:
"She took a long touch so I charged and slid into it, slipped a little bit. She came in late, I came in late, I definitely think I deserved a yellow card, but I don't think it was malicious. I wasn't intending to try to take her out. I was going for the ball. That's not my game." -Washington Post

According to SoccerAmerica, the WPS disciplinary committee will consider whether action will be taken against Wambach.

What do you think?