Former USMNT Star Reyna Outed As Person Who Tried To Blackmail Gregg Berhalter

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The US soccer world was stunned on Tuesday when news surfaced that someone from the ‘outside’ had tried to blackmail USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter.

It was soon revealed that the blackmailing scheme revolved around a domestic incident between Gregg Berhalter and his wife Rosalind, an incident that occurred 31 years ago.

On Wednesday, it was revealed that former USMNT star and former USMNT captain Claudio Reyna was the figure behind the alleged blackmailing scheme.

Jeff Carlisle and Kyle Bonagura of ESPN FC are reporting that former USMNT captain Claudio Reyna, who earned 112 caps for the United States Men’s National Team between 1994 and 2006, “sent multiple messages to U.S. Soccer executives during the World Cup threatening to reveal sensitive details about USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter‘s past.”

Here’s where things get interesting… Gio Reyna, one of the UMSNT’s best players and brightest stars, was basically blackballed at the 2022 World Cup by Gregg Berhalter. Gio Reyna is the son of Claudio Reyna it’s possible that there was retribution/revenge at play on both sides of this fiasco.

ESPN reports:

Former United States men’s national team captain Claudio Reyna sent multiple messages to U.S. Soccer executives during the World Cup threatening to reveal sensitive details about USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter’s past, multiple sources told ESPN. The messages began after his son, Gio Reyna, was informed he would have a limited role at the tournament.

U.S. Soccer did not receive any details about the claims until Dec. 11, when an executive was informed in a call with Claudio Reyna and his wife, Danielle, that Berhalter, 49, had a past domestic violence incident, sources told ESPN.

Claudio Reyna is currently the Sporting Director at MLS club Austin FC. Gregg Berhalter’s contract as manager of the United States Men’s National Team expired days ago, on December 31st. And Gio Reyna is currently playing for Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund.

It is hard to imagine what Gregg Berhalter and Claudio Reyna’s futures look like with the USMNT after this but hopefully none of the backstabbing will fall on Gio Reyna and taint his USMNT future.

Here is the statement Gregg Berhalter released on Tuesday:

Claudio Reyna is a member of the US National Soccer Hall of Fame. He was inducted in 2012. He was present at the World Cup closing ceremonies as part of President Biden’s presidential delegation.

Soccer Media Melts Down Over Claudio Reyna Revelation

What makes this Claudio Reyna Gregg Berhalter story that much sadder is how the story of the Reynas and the Berhalters – two American soccer families – are linked from such an early age. pic.twitter.com/xI1Mz7nNLr

— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) January 4, 2023

Former USMNT captain Claudio Reyna — father of Gio Reyna — sent multiple messages to U.S. Soccer executives during the World Cup threatening to reveal sensitive details about USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter’s past, per @ESPN. pic.twitter.com/zIBfHuCHCG

— Front Office Sports (@FOS) January 4, 2023

This story is truly bonkers:

Soccer parents are wild.

— Michael LoRé (@michaellore) January 4, 2023

We sure are!

oh we are on our way to being a proper footballing nation now 🍿🍿🍿

— bring ’em back (@trashtaeks) January 4, 2023

The UMSNT has never seen drama like this before:

Drama pic.twitter.com/IP6aRDJteA

— Matthew Gonzales 🇲🇽🇺🇸 (@matthew_gon24) January 4, 2023

Are we though?

Why are we the college sorority of international football?

— Kevin C (@drkencham) January 4, 2023

Ultimately, this is what it all comes down to:

Leaking dirt about the coach cause his kid didn’t get playing time😭😭😭

— JEFE (@CFCJefe) January 4, 2023

It’s unclear what happens next for Gregg Berhalter, Claudio Reyna, and the UMSNT after this weird scandal.