Clint Dempsey reportedly facing suspension; Sounders awaiting word from MLS

Sounders midfielder Clint Dempsey, who has a goal and an assist in Seattle’s first two games, is facing a two-game suspension according to the Toronto Sun. The Sun report doesn’t specify what Dempsey has been suspended for, but it would likely have to do with an incident in which Dempsey struck Toronto FC’s Mark Bloom below the belt.

Dempsey said after the game that the low-blow was an accident, explaining, “I felt a hand on my back, tried to hit it away. I thought I was hitting his hand away. I understand that maybe I did catch him a little bit, I apologized to him about that. All I was trying to do was swipe his had from my back.”

Asked about the reported suspension Wednesday, Sounders coach Sigi Schmid said, “There’s nothing we can say officially at this stage, so we’ve got to wait until the league makes an announcement… We know that it’s being looked at, and they’re going to come to a decision here.”

A league spokesperson said via email that any discipline would be announced Thursday, but that if there is an appeal, news likely wouldn’t be announced until Friday. The Sounders would presumably appeal a suspension of their best player for an incident he contends was accidental, which could make things tricky for them seeing as they fly Thursday to Montreal. Schmid said they hope such an appeal would be resolved before they leave town Thursday, though it appears that may not happen.

Schmid also said he hopes the league takes into the account not just that incident, but the amount of fouls Dempsey was on the receiving end of in Saturday’s game and this season overall. Dempsey has been fouled 10 times in two games, and the Sounders have been fouled a league-high 50 times, 25 in each game.

“Obviously if you’re missing a player like Clint, it’s an important piece of the puzzle for your team,” Schmid said. “At this stage, when you look at minutes played, he’s the most fouled player in the league, and our team is the most fouled team in the league. So hopefully that gets taken into account a little bit as well. He’s an important part of our team for sure.”

Talk to us

More in Sports

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Victoria Royals at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Some good, some bad for Silvertips in season-opening split

Everett was missing three key players over the weekend but significantly outshot its two opponents.

A look at the Seattle Sounders’ new crest and secondary images unveiled on Tuesday. (Seattle Times photo)
Sounders unveil new crest, colors as 50th season approaches

The new look, which gives a nod to the past, will start being worn by the team next season.

Mike Thomas (6) owner of the Everett Royals, shares a laugh after practice at Archbishop Murphy High School on February 2, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Everett’s new arena football team announces owners, coach

The franchise had been shrouded in mystery since the league announced it was relaunching in April.

Washington's Sami Reynolds bats during a Women's College World Series game this past June in Oklahoma City. (UW Athletics photo)
The Herald’s 2022-23 Woman of the Year in Sports: Sami Reynolds

The Snohomish grad capped an outstanding five-year career with an All-American season and one of the biggest moments in UW history.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for Sept. 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for Sept. 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Prep roundup for Tuesday, Sept. 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, Sept. 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

The 1987 Cascade boys soccer team poses for a photo in front of the Space Needle in Seattle. (County Sports Hall of Fame photo)
County Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2023 bio: 1987 Cascade boys soccer

The 1987 Cascade boys soccer team won the AAA title and kicked off a run of five straight appearances in the state title game.

Arlington’s Caleb Reed is thrown into the air by lineman Dylan Scott after scoring a touchdown against Ferndale on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, at Arlington High School in Arlington, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Prep football power rankings after Week 4

Here are our top 8 local teams after all the action from Friday and Saturday.

Monroe’s Mason Davis (1) celebrates with Trent Bublitz (11) after Bublitz’s touchdown reception against Edmonds-Woodway on Friday, Oct. 14, 2022, at Edmonds School District Stadium in Edmonds, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Reader poll: Make your picks for Week 5 prep football games

Do you think you can beat the experts in our weekly high… Continue reading

Most Read