Ryan Lochte apologizes for behavior in Rio
U.S. swimmer Ryan Lochte apologized for his behavior last weekend, which resulted in Brazilian authorities accusing him and three other American swimmers of vandalism and lying about being robbed.
Lochte said in a Twitter post on Friday that he is "sorry for not being more careful and candid in how I described the events of that early morning and for my role in taking focus away from the athletes fulfilling their dreams of participating in the Olympics."
"I waited to share these thoughts until it was confirmed that the legal situation was addressed and it was clear that my teammates would be arriving home safely," Lochte added.
• Timeline: What we know about Ryan Lochte's alleged robbery in Rio
Lochte originally told NBC News that he, Jimmy Feigen, Gunnar Bentz and Jack Conger were pulled over in their cab by men dressed as law enforcement, and that they were robbed as they made their way back to the Olympic Village from a party on Sunday.
Authorities say that the swimmers actually vandalized a gas station bathroom and paid for the damage before arriving back at the Village.
Lochte said his statement that he is sorry to "my teammates, my fans, my fellow competitors, my sponsors and the hosts of this great event," and says he should have been more responsible in how he handled himself that night.
• PRICE: Rio Olympics try to move on from Lochte’s embarrassing debacle
Lochte left Brazil before authorities ordered him to stay in the country while they investigated his robbery claims. Bentz and Conger were interviewed by police before being allowed to board a plane back to the United States.
Feigen will pay $10,800 to a charity for his role in the incident and will also make his way back to the U.S.
"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," Locthe said
Bentz also apologized Friday, releasing a lengthy statement about the events that transpired.
“I regret this situation has drawn attention away from the Olympics, which have been hosted so incredibly well by Brazil and its citizens,” Bentz said.
“Videos of this situation have been emerging the last several days. However, I am confident that some video angles have not been shown that would further substantiate my account,” Bentz added.
Bentz’s entire statement, which includes a timeline of the events at the gas station, can be read here.
- Scooby Axson
