(AP) — U.S. women's national team coach Jill Ellis is emphatic that Hope Solo's suspension stems from a 'sum total of actions' and not just comments the goalkeeper made about Sweden during the Olympics.

Solo was suspended for six months and her contract with U.S. Soccer was terminated following the team's disappointing exit from the Rio Games.

Sweden eliminated the United States on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw in the quarterfinals. Afterward, Solo called the Swedes a "bunch of cowards" for their defensive style of play.

Ellis discussed the suspension for the first time in a Q & A interview published on U.S. Soccer's website.

Solo won't be eligible for selection to the national team again until February.

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