“Let me begin by emphasizing that I have been completely truthful in my statements throughout this unfortunate situation, including the information I provided to United States officials before leaving Brazil”, the statement said. “There has already been too much said and too many valuable resources dedicated to what happened last weekend, so I hope we spend our time celebrating the great stories and performances of these Games and look ahead to celebrating future successes”. “I was like, ‘Whatever, ‘” Lochte said.
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The swimmer, who has 12 medals to his name including a gold from Rio in the 4X200 freestyle relay, had claimed a man posing as a police officer robbed him and his teammates while they were coming back from a party in a taxi.
“We apologize to our hosts in Rio and the people of Brazil for this distracting ordeal in the midst of what should rightly be a celebration of excellence”, U.S. Olympic Committee CEO Scott Blackmun said in a statement. Costa said that Feigen’s passport would be returned and he will be free to leave the country after the payment is made. One report claims Lochte and his US swimming teammates are responsible for shenanigans that include peeing where they shouldn’t have.
Conger and Bentz were pulled off a plane as they tried to leave Rio earlier this week, but were released after providing statements on the incident to Brazilian police. Brazilian authorities say the American swimmers actually vandalized a gas station and then got into an altercation with security guards there.
It’s safe to say that Lochte not only took advantage of Rio’s reputation for violence, but he also utilized his white privilege in trying to blame the gas station for the incident.
His comments fuelled criticism of Games organisers after the sporting action has competed for headlines with a series of muggings and armed robberies of high-profile athletes and visitors in Rio de Janeiro, including two government ministers.
Bentz and Conger caught a connecting flight in Miami, walking through the airport in matching backpacks, a Reuters witness said. Police said there was no robbery. Conger kept headphones on and wore a bright orange team US hooded sweatshirt.
“It wouldn’t have cost them anything to have told the truth about what happened.I don’t think it will harm Brazil’s image, only theirs”.
The US Olympic Committee (USOC) also apologised to Brazil for the swimmers’ behaviour.
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It said it would further review the incident and assess any potential consequences for the athletes.
