The United States Olympic Committee and USA Swimming confirmed Thursday that swimmer Ryan Lochte, a 12-time Olympic medalist, had been suspended from competition for 10 months after an incident at a gas station during the Rio Games.
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As for the other three swimmers involved-Gunnar Bentz, Jack Conger and James Feigen-they too face suspensions, although theirs are expected to be much shorter.
The USOC gives a $25,000 bonus to Olympic gold-medal winners, and USA Swimming has awarded a $75,000 gold-medal bonus at past Olympics.
Lochte, who is now competing on Dancing With the Stars, will also have to perform 20 hours of community service and will give up any funding from the USOC and USA Swimming associated with his gold medal.
“We accept the decision as believe it is in everyone’s best interest to move forward”, Lochte’s attorney said, according to USA Today. An official announcement about the suspension is expected to be made by both the USOC and U.S. Swimming at some point on September 8.
None of the four swimmers will be permitted to attend a White House visit honoring U.S. Olympians.
While the nearly 10-month suspension is longer with four months than the one Phelps received back in 2014 for the second DUI, next year’s ouster from the world championships is not considered a major one, because these championships usually attract a lesser field the year following the Olympics. In an appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”, Lochte told the host that the suspension is “heartbreaking”.
USOC chief executive Scott Blackmun said: “The behaviour of these athletes was not acceptable”.
Lochte and the others also will have to do without their monthly stipend from USA Swimming or the USOC during their suspensions. The incident happened at the gas station, not on a highway, and the man who pointed a gun in Lochte’s direction was not a robber, but an armed security guard demanding restitution for the advertising sign Lochte had torn down.
The 20-year-old Bentz must serve 10 hours of community service for breaking the USA Swimming’s curfew for team members under 21 who stay in the village.
Lochte might be hoping his DWTS gig will take some of the attention away from his Rio snafu. These athletes took accountability for their mistakes and are committed to represent themselves and our country with the great character and distinction we expect.
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The four USA swimmers accepted the suspension, which went into effect Thursday.
