Ryan Lochte is expected to be summoned back to Brazil by authorities after police there charged the U.S. swimmer with filing a false robbery report.
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A statement from Rio police reads, “The U.S. swimmer Ryan Lochte has been charged with the crime of false communication”.
Lochte, 32, along with his swim teammates Jimmy Feigen, 26; Jack Conger, 21; and Gunnar Bentz, 20, had claimed they were robbed at gunpoint by men posing as cops while heading back to the Olympic Village in a taxi on August 14. Police alleged Lochte fabricated the story and guards at the gas station detained the four after Lochte vandalized a poster at the gas station.
After being dropped by four major sponsors this week, Ryan Lochte picked up a new one Thursday with Pine Bros.
The decision comes days after Lochte said his original story about being held up at gunpoint in Rio with three other USA swimmers was “overexaggerated” in an interview with Brazil’s main broadcaster, Globo. Softish Throat Drops. The company said people should be more understanding and confirmed he will appear in ads that say the company’s product is “Forgiving On Your Throat”. Speedo announced Monday, Aug. 22, 2016, that they are dropping their sponsorship of Lochte.
He has since apologised for making up what he called an exaggerated story about being robbed.
Ryan Lochte has reportedly been asked to go back to Brazil.
Lochte has won six Olympic gold medals, including one in Rio for his victory with the United States 4×200 metre freestyle relay team.
Lochte is accused of falsely reporting a crime after the swimmer told authorities he was robbed at gunpoint.
Detective Clemente Braune told Fox News that Lochte will have to appear in person in a Brazilian court if he wants the opportunity for a plea deal.
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“Contrary to some earlier reports, the police say there was no physical violence between the swimmers and workers at the gas station who reportedly wouldn’t let the Americans leave without paying for damages”.
