Olympian Ryan Lochte Apologizes, Blames 'Language Barrier' For Saying He Was Robbed
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Ryan Lochte on Friday went on social media to apologize for telling reporters he was robbed at gunpoint in Rio.
He did not acknowledge that he lied but blamed a language barrier for suggesting he and three other members of the US men's swimming team had been victims of a crime.
Videos surfaced throughout the week showing the four men vandalizing a restroom, partying, hanging out, socializing and dancing -- but noting that would indicate a hold-up or strong armed robbery.
A security guard did pull a gun on the men because he told authorities they were acting aggressive. Lochte told "The Today Show" the alleged robber put the gun to his head and cocked the trigger.
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On Instagram Friday, Lochte wrote to his 1.9 million followers, "I want to apologize for my behavior last weekend -- for not being more careful and candid in how I described the events of that early morning and for my role in taking the focus away from the many athletes fulfilling their dreams of participating in the Olympics."
He added, "It's traumatic to be out late with your friends in a foreign country - with a language barrier - and have a stranger point a gun at you and demand money to let you leave."
The security guard reportedly demanded money from the four swimmers for vandalism they caused.
Three of the swimmers, including Lochte, are back in the US. The fourth swimmer, Jimmy Feigen, agreed to pay a $10,000 fine in order to leave Brazil. Earlier Friday, authorities in Brazil returned Feigen's passport so he has the all-clear to also return to the US.
Gunnar Bentz, a US swimmer who was with Lochte that night, tweeted a long apology to his fans.
My statement on the incident that took place in Rio. I accept full accountability and apologize to all my fans!
https://t.co/eUPBw418FN— Gunnar Bentz (@TheGunnyBunny) August 20, 2016
On Thursday, the USOC offered Brazil an official apology for the week-long ordeal.
The apology read in part, "The behavior of these athletes is not acceptable, nor does it represent the values of TEAM USA. … We will further review the matter and any potential consequences for the athletes when we return to the United States."
