.
Witch hunt? I highly doubt that anyone looked up to him especially our hero Phelps, if anything they all looked up to Michael.
This is a classic example of media and witch hunting people gone mad! Lol.
This isn't a plea bargain with the district attorney.All had a decision to make in this and the wrong choice was made. I understand that there are circumstances to consider, but it seems appropriate that penalties should be meted out across the board. It's all sad but the response needs to be strong .
Yes...All of them should be suspended and be thankful that's all that happens to them.
If they were black and had done the exact thing in the US, they would have been shot or put in jail for 20-30 years.
Pretty white boys most always get away with their crimes or only get a slap on the wrist.
Yes.
What are they, Olympic sheep? Suspend them. Suspend them ALL. You don't get to blame someone else when you are a pro at this level.
As Us Weekly previously reported, Brazilian police stated in a press conference on Thursday, August 18, that there "was no robbery" and Lochte and his teammates Gunnar Bentz, Jack Conger and Jimmy Feigen lied about being held up at gunpoint on Sunday, August 14, after allegedly being involved in a fight after vandalizing a gas station bathroom.
United States Olympic Committee CEO Scott Blackmun confirmed via a statement on Thursday that the foursome were indeed involved in vandalizing the bathroom in Rio and apologized to the people of Brazil for the swimmers' "unacceptable" behavior. He noted that they'll be reviewing the incident further and considering "any potential consequences for the athletes."
Ryan Lochte: I Was ‘Still Intoxicated’ During Initial Robbery Claims
Al Roker Calls Ryan Lochte a Liar, Twitter Goes Nuts
U.S. Swimmer Gunnar Bentz Apologizes for Rio Gas Station Incident
It's not the first time that Lochte, who appeared in his own 2013 reality show What Would Ryan Lochte Do?, has been in trouble with the law — in 2005 he was fined $110 and sentenced to community service for public urination in Gainesville, Florida. In 2010 he pleaded no contest to a disorderly conduct charge filed by the University of Florida police.
No charges have been filed or arrests made at this point, but Brazilian authorities have said that Lochte and Feigen could be charged with false communication of a crime and vandalism if an investigation finds wrongdoing. ESPN reports that each offense is punishable by one to six months in jail and/or a fine or probation, but offenders are rarely sentenced to jail time for those crimes.
While Lochte returned to the U.S. earlier this week, Feigen remains in Brazil and, according to a statement released by the USOC on Thursday night, he provided a "revised" statement to Brazilian police with the hope that his passport would be returned as soon as possible. Conger and Bentz left Brazil on Thursday night after being interviewed by authorities.
Forbes reports that American athletes are set to receive cash bonuses for medals won at Rio — $25,000 for gold, $15,000 for silver and $10,000 for bronze. Lochte, who won gold with Team USA in the 4x200–meter freestyle relay in Rio, could find that his cash prize has been revoked.
Many in the sports world are speculating that the swimmer's punishment could depend on how he reacts to the situation. Up until now, Lochte's lawyer has denied that the swimmer lied to police, but on Thursday night The Hollywood Reporter reported that he has hired high-powered crisis publicist Matthew Hiltzik, who has also repped Justin Bieber, the NFL's Manti Te'o and Alec Baldwin.
Sports fans are also pointing to how the swimming world handled the suspension of Michael Phelps back in 2014 after he was arrested for driving under the influence for a second time. The Olympic champ was suspended from competition for six months, ordered to forfeit his funding from USA Swimming for that same time period, and withdrew from the 2015 World Championship swimming team. He also lost endorsement deals and subsequently entered a six-week treatment program. By apologizing for his actions, he helped to salvage his reputation and later won new sponsors.
Did they break the rules of being a participating olympic athlete? If so they need to be handed the punishment that is stipulated for the infringement. If not, people might just shut up about it.
I agree. UGLY AMERICAN comes to mind PP. Thank you for your reply and Happy Wednesday to thee! :)
I know that is America to a T. The land of the good old/young white privileged boyman
. Ain't it great? Thank you for your reply GJ! :)
