The Brazilian authorities have charged United States swimming star Ryan Lochte with making a false statement about being robbed at gunpoint during the Olympics, police said Thursday.
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Meanwhile, if Lochte gained one endorsement, Jamaican runner Usain Bolt – who has his own controversy involving having a one-night stand with a 20-year-old Brazilian woman in Rio – was signed by sports brand Nike to a lifetime deal, reports ESPN.
It is also learned the International Olympic Committee’s ethics commission could be sent a copy of the evidence collected that reveals the filing was falsely made.
Over the last week, Lochte’s world has seemingly crumbled at his feet after it was revealed that he had lied to authorities about being robbed at gunpoint alongside his USA swimming teammates Jimmy Feigen, Gunnar Bentz, and Jack Conger in Rio.
Following an investigation, Brazilian police officials claimed the swimmers vandalised a gas station restroom and the security guards had every right to apprehend them. He said he was intoxicated at the time and his “immature behavior” was to blame for the issue.
“I’m taking full responsibility for it”, Lochte said in an interview broadcast in part late Saturday.
USA authorities could take the same stance if Lochte is found guilty.
All four of Mr Lochte’s main corporate sponsors have cut ties with the swimmer, putting his professional future in doubt. Officers discovered CCTV footage showing the group vandalizing the bathroom of a gas station and fighting with its staff. But on Thursday he picked up a new sponsor – Pine Bros Softish Throat Drops. Since he could not testify in the US, Lochte would need to appear in person in Brazil or be tried in absentia. “I just want to say I am truly, 110% sorry”.
He has admitted he was drunk and apologised but he now has to decide whether or not to return to Brazil to answer the charges.
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Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison and Green Bay Packers defensive players Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers met this week with National Football League investigators looking into allegations linking them to performance-enhancing drugs, the players’ union said.
