The U.S. is navigating a controversy right as the race for Olympic spots is beginning to heat up
The U.S. women's national team is navigating a crisis in real-time. No one headed into this camp for the SheBelieves Cup expecting something like this to take over the news cycle. It was supposed to be about Olympic preparation, the fight for roster spots, tactical tweaks and triumphant returns. Instead, the focus is entirely on Korbin Albert, her social media statements and a level of trust that may just be impossible to earn back.
This is a disaster, to say the least, and fixing it won't be easy.
Prior to her anti-LGBTQ social media comments last week, Albert looked like a lock for the Olympic roster. Now, her status is totally unclear. Her place on the USWNT on, and more importantly off the field, will require a whole lot of hard work on her end to secure.
As the USWNT heads into Saturday's meeting with Japan, all eyes are on Albert, whether she plays or not. She's still in the squad, but when you have the likes of Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, Lindsey Horan and Becky Sauerbrunn condemning your actions, you're going to be on the outside looking in.
Throughout its history, the USWNT has become famous for taking stands: for themselves, for the game, for millions of people all over the world. Albert's comments were in direct opposition of that. Now, all involved need to find a way forward, if there is one.
GettyThe initial posts
Thursday, March 28 should have been one of the best days of Alebrt's young career. She had just scored a huge Champions League goal for Paris Saint-Germain to book their place in the semi-finals, a moment worth celebrating, no doubt.
Her life soon went into a tailspin, though. Her social media activity had begun to go viral, and it wasn't good. A series of posts popped up stemming from Albert's TikTok account. One showed a sermon taking aim at the LGBTQ+ community, saying that being gay and "feeling transgender" is wrong. Another showed Albert's family saying that "their pronouns are USA".
In addition to targeting the LGBTQ+ community at large, Albert's social media history also showed a liked post aimed at Megan Rapinoe. In it, the original poster said: “God taking time off performing miracles to make sure Megan Rapinoe sprains her ankle in her final ever game.”
It didn't take long for the USWNT community to condemn Albert, with Rapinoe herself immediately firing back at the midfielder.
AdvertisementGetty/GOALRapinoe responds
Rapinoe's response ended with a very obvious subliminal message. Everything that came before it was clear in its meaning, but Rapinoe signed off with a parting shot. Albert had been handed the USWNT's No.15 shirt, the one that Rapinoe had made famous. And, after seeing her successor bash her in more ways than one, Rapinoe wasn't going to let it slide.
“To the people who want to hide behind ‘my beliefs’," Rapinoe began on Instagram, "I would just ask one question, are you making any type of space safer, more inclusive, more whole, any semblance of better, bringing the best out of anyone?… Because if you aren’t, all you believe in is hate. And kids are literally killing themselves because of this hate. Wake TF up! Yours Truly, #15.”
The ex-USWNT star publicly came out in July 2012 and, in the 12 years since, has been a major activist for LGBTQ+ causes. She has been an advocate for transgender women throughout that time, and has always been at the forefront when it came to discussing LGBTQ issues.
Rapinoe's response was quickly backed by several USWNT stars. Long-time USWNT captain Sauerbrunn reposted Rapinoe's story, adding a "Well said". Sam Mewis, Kristie Mewis and Lynn Williams also reposted Rapinoe's response.
The apology
Just a few hours after the news broke, Albert made her own statement on social media. The midfielder posted on Instagram, offering an apology for everything that had gone down.
“I’m really disappointed in myself and am deeply sorry for the hurt that I have caused to my teammates, other players, fans, friends and anyone who was offended,” she wrote. “I truly believe that everyone should feel safe and respected everywhere and on all playing fields. I know my actions have not lived up to that and for that I sincerely apologize. It’s an honor and a privilege to play this sport on the world stage and I promise to do better.”
Just a few days prior, Albert had been called up for the SheBelieves Cup, and the USWNT chose not to remove her from the roster. It set up an awkward situation, but not one that's unfamiliar for the U.S. program.
USA Today SportsPrior controversy
Back in 2015, the USWNT found themselves facing a similar controversy, one that lasted several years. On June 26 of that year, same-sex marriage was established in all 50 states. Then USWNT-defender Jaelene Hinkle took to social media to air her frustration, citing her religion as her reason for opposing same-sex marriage altogether.
"This world is falling farther and farther away from God," she tweeted. "All that can be done by believers is to continue to pray."
In 2017, Hinkle was called into the national team, but withdrew due to "personal reasons". In an interview with one year later, she revealed that her decision to step away from the team was due to the fact that she did not want to wear U.S. Soccer's rainbow jerseys honoring Pride Month.
"I just felt so convicted in my spirit that it wasn't my job to wear this jersey," Hinkle said. "I gave myself three days to just seek and pray and determine what he was asking me to do in this situation… I knew in my spirit I was doing the right thing. I knew I was being obedient." Hinkle has not featured for the national team since.
Speaking alongside Sam Mewis on the podcast, USWNT attacker Williams reflected on that controversy, saying that this version of the national team will not accept intolerance, no matter what.
“Back then, we didn’t know how to approach the situation and we put soccer first,” she said. “I feel like if I’ve learned anything, it’s that there are some things that are just bigger than soccer. And one of them is human rights, and making sure that people feel safe in their body and just safe in this world. So I think it is a moment for us to say you know what, this topic is bigger than soccer.
“At the same time, women’s soccer has been a safe space for the LGBT community. And I think that it does affect the locker room a little bit. But again, I think this is bigger than the locker room.”
Mewis added: “Zooming out, making an apology is a solid first step. And I think you and I in many cases want to leave room for there to be growth and a change in behavior. But first and foremost, I don’t accept intolerance or the exclusion of people on a human level.”