Only On 2: Former Lochte Coach Has Harsh Words For Olympian
SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com) — Mark Schubert, a former swim coach who helped train medal-winner Ryan Lochte, has some harsh words for the swimmer.
After Lochte and the three other American swimmers sort out their legal troubles in Rio, next could come serious sanctions, according to Schubert. Those sanctions will harm their careers, he believes.
It's a story that is Only On 2.
CBS2's Michele Gile sat down with Schubert on Thursday. She also spoke to a psychiatrist to find out why the men allegedly lied.
"United States swimming always takes a pretty strict stand if allegations like this are true and there's misbehavior that would result in embarrassment to the sport of swimming. So, I would suspect there would be some kind of suspension involved," Schubert said.
Disappointed is how Schubert said he feels about the incident. He knows Lochte well and says he's a good citizen and a role model. Schubert said he hopes the swimmer will apologize for what he calls a terrible mistake.
Fear is likely the reason the Olympians' stories about the alleged robbery were less than truthful, according to Orange County psychiatrist Richard Granese.
"People lie to try to not face repercussions of their actions. And if there are repercussions to their actions, that they're going to be penalized for, and suffer consequences of that, then certainly that would be why they would want to keep things covered up and the truth not be told," Granese says.
"I've known Ryan since he made the Olympic team in 2004," Schubert says.
Schubert doesn't think Lochte intentionally lied but rather that there was confusion when he and his teammates were stopped by security; he's blaming the language barrier.
"I certainly hope he's not trying to cover it up," said Schubert, "I think there's probably two sides to the story, and maybe both sides are a little tainted. But knowing Ryan, I would be very surprised if he intentionally lied about this situation."
Regardless, Schubert said the embarrassment to the United States and Brazil is unfortunate.
Late on Thursday, the US Olympic Committee formally apologized for the 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."
On Thursday, KCAL9's Andrea Fujii spoke to CBS2/KCAL9 legal analyst Steve Meister.
His advice to Lochte? At this point, keep his mouth shut.
"Don't say a word to anybody," Meister said. "Don't talk to your mother, don't talk to the press anymore."
Lochte is back in the United States, and Meister doesn't believe he will be extradited.
"It's just for the equivalent of a misdemeanor," Meister says. "There's not going to be an extradition. No one's going to ask for it."
Officials in Brazil have asked for an apology from Lochte and the other swimmers.
Meanwhile, Lochte is sticking by his story.
At least one of his sponsors, Speedo, said it is closely monitoring the investigation.
