Following an inquiry into a 1992 domestic incident involving his wife, Gregg Berhalter is still being considered for a new contract as the head coach of the United States.
Rosalind Berhalter, who was then his girlfriend, was shoved and kicked by Berhalter in a nightclub when they were both freshman at the University of North Carolina. Berhalter confirmed in January that he was the focus of an investigation into the incident.
It was later discovered that Danielle, Giovanni Reyna’s mother, had complained to U.S. Soccer about the event because she had been upset by Berhalter’s handling of her son at the 2014 World Cup.
Reyna saw little playing time throughout the competition, and Berhalter indicated the Borussia Dortmund player nearly left his team because of bad behavior in Qatar.
Berhalter’s contract with U.S. Soccer expired at the end of December, though he said he was hopeful of returning to the post as a probe into the domestic altercation was announced.
While that investigation has concluded Berhalter did kick his wife, the legal firm that carried it out has advised U.S. Soccer there is no legal impediment to re-employing him.
A statement from U.S. Soccer read: “Upon learning of a serious allegation of past misconduct against then-U.S. men’s national team head coach Gregg Berhalter, U.S. Soccer immediately engaged a team at Alston & Bird LLP to conduct an independent investigation into the matter.
U.S. Soccer Statement Regarding Completion of Alston & Bird Investigation Concerning Gregg Berhalter » https://t.co/3S63yuOXeP pic.twitter.com/pbPXkOy4yy
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) March 13, 2023
“U.S. Soccer takes seriously both allegations of violence and allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards our officials and staff.
“U.S. Soccer’s process for determining who will serve as sporting director is ongoing, and interviews are underway. The sporting director will lead the process of determining who will serve as head coach of the men’s national team.
“Given the investigators’ conclusion that there is no legal impediment to employing him, Gregg Berhalter remains a candidate to serve as head coach.
“The report also identifies a need to revisit U.S. Soccer’s policies concerning appropriate parental conduct. We will be updating those policies as we continue to work to ensure safe environments for all participants in our game.”