The International Olympic Committee commission could sanction the athletes if they considered their behaviour violated the Olympic charter.
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Bentz said he, Lochte and two other swimmers – all gold medalists at the Rio Games – had been in a taxi when they stopped at the gas station to use the bathroom, contradicting Lochte’s initial account of being pulled over by gunmen posing as police.
As Bentz and Conger flew home Thursday night, their attorney insisted they were witnesses only and had nothing to do with Lochte’s story.
“I am grateful for my USA Swimming teammates and the USOC, and appreciate all of the efforts of the IOC, the Rio ’16 Host Committee, and the people of Brazil who welcomed us to Rio and worked so hard to make sure that these Olympic Games provided a lifetime of great new memories”, he wrote. “An argument ensued between the athletes and two armed gas station security staff, who dislayed their weapons, ordered the athletes from their vehicles and demanded the athletes provide a monetary payment”.
Feigen paid 35,000 reais (US$11,000/RM44,170) to a Brazilian sporting charity yesterday, a condition of reclaiming his passport from Brazilian police and being able to return home. The situation was an enormous embarrassment for the U.S. Olympic team, which has dominated in the medal count.
“But regardless of the behavior of anyone else that night, I should have been much more responsible in how I handled myself and for that I am sorry to my teammates, my fans, my fellow competitors, my sponsors, and the hosts of this great event. The understanding that we have, even from yesterday, is that the Brazilian population was quite disappointed in the actions and the facts.it’s clear that the Brazilian population was kind of, felt humiliated by the early part of the issue”, said Mario Andrada, Rio 2016 spokesperson. Lochte had already left, but the other three – Gunnar Bentz, Jack Conger and Jimmy Feigen – were forced to undergo questioning in Rio police stations. Speedo has said it is following the situation and does not comment on ongoing legal investigations.
In sworn statements to Brazilian investigators, Lochte’s teammates said that he was drunk, disorderly, had damaged property and was in need of calming down as they discussed the situation with an armed security guard. “So if I go out all night and I’m dancing or I’m drinking, you know what, I still have a job to do, I still have a goal to do, and that’s the 2016 Olympics”, Lochte said to WTXF.
Lochte, 32, had alleged that he and three other swimmers had been robbed by people pretending to be police officers. Instead, they said Lochte had vandalized a local gas station early on Sunday and had an altercation with a security guard.
Lochte returned to the United States on Monday, a day after the incident and before police denounced his version. But he said the athletes wanted to leave, so they paid 100 Brazilian reals (about United States $33) and $20 in USA currency and left.
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“While these athletes are the best in the world at their craft, the massive global spotlight shines on them for a few weeks every four years”, said Land.
