Major League Soccer Investigating Andrew Putna For Use Of Racist Language Towards David Ochoa
Nov 11, 2021, 3:33 PM
SALT LAKE CITY – Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Andrew Putna is currently being investigated by the league for the accused use of racial slurs towards fellow teammate David Ochoa roughly a month ago.
It is unknown what Putna said towards Ochoa. However, KSL Sports has confirmed that the two got into a heated argument and Putna was heard by multiple teammates using racially charged comments towards Ochoa.
Putna has been suspended from all team activities until the impending league investigation concludes.
Putna has one more year left on his contract, however, the most recent report would suggest that Putna’s time at Real Salt Lake has come to an abrupt end regardless of the league’s findings.
Following the findings of the investigation, the league may opt to waive Putna which would eliminate any responsibility for Real Salt Lake. However, if the findings of the investigation are not concrete, Real Salt Lake will likely initiate a buy-out, which they are allowed to do with one player per season, where they will pay Putna the remaining money on his contract and remove him from the team effective immediately.
KSL Sports has also learned that Putna’s presence in the Real Salt Lake locker room was often met with disdain by his teammates. This is not the first off-the-field incident regarding Putna, the club has dealt with similar issues internally in the past.