As the subject reads, Network Solutions has denied a domain transfer before a dot-com domain has entered the “redemption grace period” (RGP). This is prohibited by ICANN, as you can read here:
https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/domain-name-renewal-expiration-faqs-2018-12-07-en
Where it reads:
4. My domain name has just expired. Can my registrar require me to pay for a renewal before I can transfer the domain name to a new registrar?
No. You have the right to transfer an expired domain. Registrars are not allowed to deny a transfer due to expiration or non-renewal. (unless you haven’t paid for a previous registration period).
I have to assemble all the evidence and I will then make a formal complaint to ICANN and post it here. Seems they haven’t got over the fact that they lost their monopoly years ago.