The story has been a complicated one, with many viewing the robbery claim as an inexplicable allegation that made what might have been a molehill – swimmers argue with gas station employees, and no punches are thrown – into a mountain that involved the US diplomatic corps and the publication of security camera footage from both the gas station and the Athletes Village.
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U.S. Olympic swimmers Gunnar Bentz and Jack Conger flew home to the United States from Rio de Janeiro Thursday night, after telling Brazilian police that fellow swimmer Ryan Lochte fabricated a story about being mugged at gunpoint on Sunday.
Feigen, along with his teammates Gunnar Bentz, Jack Conger and 12-time Olympic medal victor Ryan Lochte testified to having been attacked in the early hours of Sunday morning while returning to the Olympic Village in a taxi after attending a party. Police still want to speak to Lochte, who was also summonsed to appear before the judge today, and say they hope to agree with U.S. authorities to interview him in the United States. The fourth swimmer, Jimmy Feigen’s lawyer said Feigen made a deal with a Brazil judge to make a $10,800 payment and be allowed to leave the country later.
The USOC also said that Feigen gave police a revised statement “with the hope of securing the release of his passport as soon as possible”.
However, Rio police spotted inconsistencies in their initial statements and, following an investigation, civil police chief Fernando Veloso told a press conference that Lochte had lied to cover up a weird episode at a petrol station and the presence of two women the group had met at the party who were in a second taxi. Instead, Brazilian police said the men, while intoxicated, vandalized a gas station bathroom and were questioned by armed guards before they paid for the damage and left. Prosecutors said later they would appeal the fine as too low but could not stop the swimmer from leaving Brazil.
Bentz and Conger arrived in Miami on Friday aboard an American Airlines flight from Brazil, having sat in curtained-off seats for much of the journey.
The U.S. Olympic Committee and USA Swimming have said they will consider whether to take action against the swimmers.
The swimmers’ accusations were an embarrassment for Rio officials, and police quickly began questioning Lochte’s claims. Conger kept headphones on and wore an orange Team USA hooded sweatshirt.
Saying “it’s clear the Brazilian population felt humiliated by the early part of the issue”, Andrada concluded that he thinks people in Brazil “will accept his apologies”.
It said it would further review the incident and assess any potential consequences for the athletes.
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It is unclear whether Lochte will make any more statements on the matter.
