Now that we have so much more info, here is the blame pie
1% for GGG to having mentioned the discipline in a public setting
5% to Gio for sulking when told he would not play
94% to the Reyna's for what looks like consistent, horrendous behavior
Hard to argue against those numbers . Gio needing the second talk would up my % for him.
Oh, I missed something in my first read through I think. Can you post the section on the second talk as I must have missed that...
C. Gio Reyna Training for the 2022 World Cup
During our investigation, Mr. Stewart described to us concerns related to Gio Reyna’s
performance during training in the days leading up the 2022 World Cup games. Mr. Stewart
explained that coaches had concerns about Gio Reyna’s level of fitness for the first game because
he was recovering from an injury. In addition, Mr. Stewart told us that Gio Reyna’s performance
was poor during a scrimmage game because he “walk[ed] around, and mope[d] around the whole
time.” Mr. Stewart said although it looked like he might still be injured, he mostly “seemed ticked
off” and “did not appear to be trying at all.” Mr. Stewart told us that
Mr. Berhalter talked to Gio
Reyna after that scrimmage to inform him that his effort was not satisfactory, and he needed to
“adjust his mentality.” However, Mr. Stewart said that Gio Reyna’s behavior continued for a
couple of days of training even after the scrimmage and discussion with Mr. Berhalter. For
example, Mr. Stewart said players were required to do sprints on training days after a scrimmage
and “other guys were busting their tails doing the sprints” while “Gio didn’t do anything.” Mr.
Stewart said this behavior continued after U.S. played in their first game at the 2022 World Cup.
Mr. Stewart said Gio Reyna’s behavior eventually led to a conversation among U.S. Soccer
officials regarding whether Gio Reyna should be sent home. Mr. Stewart said Mr. Berhalter led
the discussion and recapped the concerns relating to Gio Reyna’s performance and behavior. He
asked for feedback from the coaching staff and their opinion on whether Gio Reyna should be sent
home. Mr. Stewart said it was a balanced, objective conversation. Ultimately, at the end of the
discussion Mr. Berhalter made the decision to let Gio Reyna stay at the 2022 World Cup. However,
Mr. Stewart said that they determined next steps regarding how to deal with Gio Reyna’s behavior.
First,
Mr. Berhalter had another conversation with Gio Reyna to communicate to him that his
current behavior was unacceptable. Second, Mr. Berhalter informed Gio Reyna of the level of
effort expected from him. Third, Gio Reyna was required to apologize to his teammates. Finally,
Gio Reyna was informed that if his unacceptable behavior continued then he would be sent home.
Mr. Stewart said that there was no reason to send Gio Reyna home after this last conversation with
him.