Mary Earps takes accountability for autobiography controversy
Mary Earps has acknowledged making mistakes in her autobiography published last November, accepting full accountability for the controversy that engulfed her following its release, reports BritPanorama.
The former England goalkeeper, speaking at the opening of a community football pitch in her hometown of Nottingham, conceded there were aspects she could have handled differently.
“I take full responsibility for the book and the things that happened around the book,” Earps told The Guardian. The 32-year-old described the experience as a period of profound self-examination, admitting she has absorbed some harsh truths.
The book sparked significant backlash due to Earps’ assertion that Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman had “rewarded for bad behaviour” when selecting Hannah Hampton ahead of her for a Euro 2025 qualifier. “There were some tough lessons learned. I’m human. I’m not perfect, I’m still learning,” she added.
Earps reflected on the public response she faced, stating, “That was kind of my first rodeo with ‘cancel culture’, and 0 out of 10 – would not recommend to other people.” She admitted that at the time, she struggled to comprehend the criticism directed at her.
Following deep introspection, Earps has since reconciled with her former national team boss. The pair met in person to address the situation directly, an opportunity for which the goalkeeper expressed considerable gratitude. “Sarina and I have spoken,” Earps confirmed. “It was a really positive conversation. And I’m really grateful to Sarina for that opportunity for us to speak.”
She was keen to emphasise the esteem in which she holds the Dutch coach: “I would never, ever want anybody to question my respect and admiration for Sarina and everything that we’ve achieved together.” Wiegman had previously responded to the criticism with characteristic brevity, stating simply: “I make decisions to win.”
Earps announced her departure from international football last May after learning she would not be England’s first-choice goalkeeper for the European Championships. The former Manchester United player now plies her trade with Paris Saint-Germain, though her contract expires in four months. “We’ll have to wait and see, won’t we? I’m not too sure yet. I know I’m really enjoying Paris,” she said regarding her future.
Reflecting on her emotional journey since the controversy, Earps acknowledged significant personal development. “I felt fine, but I wasn’t fine,” she admitted. “I feel so much calmer and so much more myself now than I did.”
In sport, the boundaries of personal expression can be perilous, illustrating how public figures navigate the choppy waters of accountability and respect in equal measure. At the heart of this saga lies a poignant reminder that even in a world of powerful athletes, the human experience of growth and reflection is universally relatable.
