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Multiple former USMNT stars turned analysts have spoken on Twitter about the fallout from the Gregg Berhalter investigation, and the role the Reyna family played in it, continues throughout American soccer.
Former goalkeeper Tony Meola and former forwards Taylor Twellman, Herculez Gomez and Stu Holden used their platforms on Twitter and their respective networks to share their thoughts on the situation that has affected the US Soccer Federation and its fans. .
The previous Wednesday it was revealed that Claudio and Danielle Reyna leaked information to the USSF about an abusive incident between Gregg Berhalter and his now wife Rosalinda.
That revelation prompted US Soccer to launch an investigation into Berhalter’s behavior, as well as incidents of inappropriate behavior targeting staff members.
The situation between Claudio Reyna and Gregg Berhalter has divided US Soccer
On SiriusXMFC, Meola criticized Claudio and Danielle Reyna for their actions that “crossed the line” in her eyes.
‘This should never happen. I don’t care that they ridiculed his son. My kids went to college, do you know how many times I wanted to pick up the phone and say, “Coach, what ___ are you doing with my son?” and I didn’t, because I know the aftermath. I’m an adult,’ Meola said.
I know the repercussions. I love American football. I have always loved the national team. I always liked playing for the national team. When I was a player, I wore the crest with more pride than anyone will ever know. Only I know how proud he was to wear the badge.
‘I became a fan after I finished, and I was proud of the national team. I was proud of where we were going. I was proud of the development we were doing in this country. I became a coach of the youth national team. By the way, I was proud to see this group of players grow, including Gio Reyna.
I’m not very proud of what happened today with the national team. I really am not. This saddens me, in many ways. I dislike him in many different ways. This should never have come out. Shame on Danielle Reyna to think, knowing what she knows… that she didn’t think this was going to come out. That she thought this was just a conversation.
‘That she, and by the way, I’m going to add Claudio to this, that he crossed the line of a friendship… They completely crossed the line and it’s not acceptable. Is not acceptable. I’m sad to be a fan of US Soccer today.’
Former USMNT goalie Tony Meola criticized Reyna saying “this should never happen”
ESPN’s Taylor Twellman repeated how ‘extremely sad’ this whole situation has become
Twellman spoke on ESPN’s sports news show ‘Outside the Lines’ and shared his disbelief with host Jeremy Schapp.
‘Honestly, it’s sad for me. I think in a nutshell, he tells you where US Soccer is and the state of US Soccer, the fact that we’re talking about this. The fact that the Berhalters have to relive this in front of the public and in the public eye. Based on what reasoning? Why didn’t he play the son of his best friend?’ Twellman wondered.
‘What are we really talking about here? These are the best of friends. These are families that grew up together. And what are we talking about? Than? And that’s what I don’t understand how we got to this point. You can disagree with everything that Gregg Berhalter did as a coach, as a coach, I don’t have a problem with that.
“But now we’re on Outside the Lines, now we’re on ESPN, now we’re reading reports that [the Berhalters] he felt blackmailed by something that happened over 30 years ago when they were 18, which his now said wife of over 25 years and four children have to relive.
I don’t know how we are at the moment and we’re not talking about what happened on the pitch. We’re not talking about that. What is the point of this? These are the best of friends. This makes me sad, Jeremy, that’s the only word I would use. It is extremely sad that we are at this point.
Herculez Gomez criticized US Soccer, tweeting that they “can’t dodge these questions forever.”
Twellman wasn’t the only ESPN employee to share his thoughts on the situation. In one thread, former USMNT forward and current ESPN analyst Hérculez Gómez posted a thread revealing his thoughts on the situation.
“This is wild and extremely sad for all parties involved. Domestic Violence, Claims Blackmail, Helicopter Parents, and just plain sad soap opera drama between what were a group of two very close friends.
‘Cindy P. Cone, Earnie Stewart and [ex-USMNT striker and current team GM] Brian McBride is on the watch now. . I can’t dodge these questions forever. Investigation pending. We understand. I don’t see how Gregg Berhalter comes back from this. . More consequences can come out of this still. You may have a hard time finding a job after this in the US.
“Claudio and Danielle Reyna look terrible in this investigation, but Claudio won’t be affected by it. At least not working wisely with Austin FC. It is not necessary for the father of a full national team player to have direct contact with the federation or team managers. So that?
“Gio Reyna will now be judged unfairly (or fairly for many) for the actions of his parents. He is still only 20 years old, he made a mistake(s). Rosalind Berhalter does not deserve to have this work for the world to see, for her children to see.
“In the middle of this are a couple of families with very young children who now have to live through the past (and current) mistakes (and traumas) of their parents. In a public forum. This trumps 1998.’
FOX Soccer analyst and former US forward Stu Holden also spoke, saying: ‘Everybody loses here. What a horrible and unnecessary mess, it’s all now unfolding in the public eye. Damage control everywhere, but it’s too late.
FOX’s Stu Holden also shared his thoughts on the matter, calling it an “unnecessary disaster.”
Berhalter told Reyna that he would participate in a limited role at the 2022 World Cup.