The USMNT caught the eye in Qatar as Gregg Berhalter‘s side impressed in reaching the last 16. However, since then a whirlwind has unfolded. Here is the story explained as the parents of Gio Reyna deny blackmailing Berhalter at the World Cup.
Reyna, 20, is a serious talent but, although he’s nearing 100 games for Dortmund, he only managed two sub appearances for USA in Qatar. The likes of Timo Weah, Haji Wright, Josh Sargent and Christian Pulisic were preferred.
Reyna’s lack of game time was bit of a surprise given his Dortmund form but then that decision is up to the manager. However, Gio’s parents – ex-Manchester City and Rangers midfielder Claudio and his wife Danielle – weren’t impressed as they felt Gio should have been playing.
The Berhalter and Reyna families have known each other for many years. Claudio Reyna played alongside Berhalter for USA, while Danielle and Berhalter’s wife Rosalind were teammates at the University of North Carolina.
Full story explained: Reyna’s parents deny blackmailing Berhalter over 1991 incident
Now, however, the Reyna and Berhalter family ties have been mired amid allegations surrounding an incident dating to 1991 that has resurfaced. US Soccer, which was reviewing Berhalter’s World Cup performance, is now investigating those allegations amid claims the incident was used to try to blackmail him.
Fox Sports and ESPN subsequently published reports claiming Danielle Reyna had told US Soccer about Berhalter and the incident in 1991 after being angered by their son’s lack of game time in Qatar.
Claudio and Danielle both deny blackmail or threatening Berhalter about releasing this information if Gio didn’t play. Gio Reyna actually apologised after USA’s exit for a lack of effort, which is thought to be the real reason for only making two substitute appearances.
In her defence, Danielle released a statement via Paul Tenorio, of The Athletic, saying she didn’t mean to get Berhalter “fired”, has no knowledge of blackmail attempts, and was merely trying to defend her son. She apologised for reopening wounds but said she felt outraged at Berhalter forcing an apology out of Gio.
Danielle admitted contacting US Soccer sporting director Earnie Stewart but said she only did so to address “negative statements about my son Gio” made by Berhalter at a leadership conference.
She added in her statement: “As part of that conversation, I told Earnie I thought it was especially unfair that Gio, who had apologised for acting immaturely about his playing time, was still being dragged through the mud when Gregg had asked and received forgiveness for doing something so much worse at the same age.”
What is the 1991 incident that has resurfaced?
Berhalter explains the situation in a statement he posted on social media in which he claims someone threatened to “take me down” to ” bring about the end” of his relationship with US Soccer. You can read his full statement here.
The coach says that in 1991, when he was aged 18, he kicked Rosalind outside a bar. Berhalter says he took steps to overcome his misdemeanour and sought counselling but the authorities didn’t get involved. Since then, Rosalind and Gregg Berhalter have had four children and remain devoted to each other.
Following the allegations of blackmail and the incident in 1991, US Soccer released a statement you can read in full here.
So, as things stand, the Reynas deny any threats to Berhalter regarding not playing their son. Regardless, Berhalter’s job as USMNT boss hangs in the balance.
Berhalter’s contract expired after the World Cup and it now seems unlikely he will be offered a new contract in light of recent developments.
It remains to be seen whether Gio Reyna remains a key player for the USMNT.
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