On Wednesday, USWNT captain Lindsey Horan and Alex Morgan delivered a prepared statement to reporters regarding last week’s re-emergence of social media activity from USWNT midfielder Korbin Albert.
“We just want to address the disappointing Korbin situation that unfolded last week. We have worked extremely hard to maintain the integrity of this national team through all generations, and we are extremely, extremely sad that this standard has not been met,” Horan began. “Our fans and our supporters have the feeling like this is a team they can rally behind, and it’s so important that they feel and continue to feel undeniably heard and seen.”
Albert has engaged with content on TikTok that goes against Team USA’s long-standing, public support for LGBTQ+ rights. His activity included reposting videos – one of which included a sermon delivered at a Christian place of worship explaining how being gay and “feeling transgender” is wrong. She also liked the content about Rapinoe’s injury in her last match.
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“We care about maintaining a safe and respectful space, especially as allies and members of the LGBTQ+ community,” Morgan continued in the statement. “This platform has given us the opportunity to shine a light on causes that are close to our hearts, something we never take for granted. »
Morgan said the team has also had internal discussions about Albert’s social media activity, and those discussions “will remain within the team.”
Mal Swanson and Catarina Macario were the two players initially slated for virtual media availability, and Swanson declined to go into detail about those conversations when asked.
“We’ve had internal conversations and, at the end of the day, those remain internal,” Swanson said.
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Morgan emphasized at the end of the prepared statement that such internal discussion would not be avoided, even if it was unpleasant. “One thing to also know is that we have never shied away from difficult conversations within this team,” she said.
In Albert’s apology, released March 28, she wrote in part: “I am truly disappointed in myself and deeply sorry for the hurt I have caused to my teammates, to other players, to fans , to friends and to all those who were offended. I truly believe that everyone should feel safe and respected everywhere and on every playing field. I know that my actions fell short and I sincerely apologize. It is an honor and privilege to play this sport on the world stage and I promise to do better.
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(Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)