It's a waste because it detracts from what was otherwise a stunning Olympics by team USA, now all we hear about is Lochte.

My opinion is it has been blown way out of proportion (by the Brazil police) because they didn't like having their city's reputation smeared.

No question Lochte is to blame for the core problem. He strikes me as one of those people who gets stupid and mean when mixed with alcohol and he certainly doesn't have any IQ points to spare in that regard.

That said, and I am not making excuses for him, it struck me as odd that the Brazil police have made a case of simple vandalism into the Lindberg Kidnapping. What's bizarre is that nobody got arrested for sticking a gun in their face over what was a simple property dispute. Do that here and you'll be in jail in a heartbeat. The Brazilian Barney Fife's don't seem to be bothered with armed extortion when there is a damaged plastic soap dispenser case to be solved.

Anyway, Lochte is going to lose mega millions in lost endorsements and this whole thing couldn't be more screwed up. Shame.

Maybe he can make the money back as a Gangsta Rapper.
I don't feel sorry for him. DUMB

But, yea it is being turned into a political football.

It's a waste alright. It gives the media something else of no consequence to divert attention away from a real criminals actions.

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Halfway and one more step

There is nothing quite as irritating, as having a supposed victim make a false police report. I think he should be "pilloried" as an example!

He acted stupidly and then lied along with his buddies. He tried to embarass an entire nation by going on national TV and telling false stories. Any country should take pride in themselves and in their effort to do their jobs as police. He had it comimg and deserves everything he gets.

The only way he can impress me now is to fly back take full responsibility and face the music.

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Isaiah 41:10

Another special snowflake. He's not worth the time or breath expended typing this.

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642-1, M&P15 TS

Couldn't care less about the dude....he knew he was a liar and dumped his buddies and ran. The Brazilian's can make whatever mountain out of a mole hill they want, it's their country.

He "over exaggerated"

Kinda like "not sophisticated" in the use of secure emails"
But that was OK.

It is not a case of vandalism (which there was) it is a false Police report which embarrassed a Country!

We have all probably done dumb stupid things, but not on the "World Stage"

But hey, Pro Athletes in all sports get away with stuff every day

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Still Running Against the Wind

A great representative of our country.

All that big amount of negative publicity sure over shadows the work and dedication of the more honorable American athletes.

That little Charlie Foxtrot is sure to cost him a ton of endorsement money!

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14 S&W Revs none with locks!

The man was a guest in a host country while representing America on the world's stage in a sports event whose mission is to foster good will among nations. With everyone watching, he became drunk, destroyed property of his host country, and then went on international TV and lied about the event in a way that besmirched the reputation of the host country. Knowing the firestorm he caused, he secretly and quickly left the country while leaving his supposed friends and fellow countrymen behind to be detained, questioned, and ultimately fined in order to take the fall for his crimes.

The man is a disgrace to our country, to his family, and to himself.

Hope his actions aren't representative of the athletes we send around the world to represent us but in today's world of extremely pampered and over exalted athletes I think it may not that unusual for them to get away with anything short of a horrible crime. It starts at the grade school level and continues from then on.

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Hue 68 noli me tangere

It's a shame that his Story is taking away from the GB and Aussie robberies that did take place....

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RIP Shipmate

Agreed. Yet another made in America self entitled putz who has brought shame.

If it comes to pass that he actually gets some kind of punishment, I'm sure we'll get to read about how punisment has made him some kind of victim.

I'm not defending this young man at all. The problem is that he's young and made a poor decision.

But I also thought about the generations of American military servicemen that have committed much more serious crimes against civilian members of their host country.

Just an observation.

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Life Is A Gift. Defend it!

In no way do I defend his actions however he was really drunk (as reported)
People do stupid things when drunk or on drugs.

Perhaps he "exaggerated" as a way to get out of what he had done?? Who knows other than those that were there??.

Michael Phelps, made some bad choices a few years back, 2 DUIs, drugs, went to rehab etc etc. No, he did not blame others or a Country but stuff happens,
He got help, came back, has a Wife and Child and turned his life around.

Lochte will be paying the price for a long time,

What is the saying?

Those who have not screwed up, be the first to bash others

Live in a glass house don't throw stones.

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Still Running Against the Wind

He's 32 years old. Don't go to somebody else's country and act like a tool.

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

Well, he's paying for it. I just heard that his "endorsements" have been cancelled, to the tune of between $10 and $20 MILLION.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Proves my theory of accountability.

When you're wrong or screw up - don't lie and deny!

Admit it up front, express your regret and ask how to make it better.

Takes the fire out of your opposition immediately!

Only gets worse if you obfuscate.

Now, in such third world countries, shakedowns by "authorities" are common, but I do not believe this was the case considering the vandalism preceding the event.

I'm not a big fan of sports, but my wife has been watching the Olympics these past two weeks. Sol I may not have all my facts straight.

I was surprised that these athletes were out , driving around Rio, late at night, without any Security with them??

Kidnappings and other crime is rampant in the area. WHY would You expose yourself to that possibility?

The other issue....You are an Ambassador of your Country as an athlete. Aren't they instructed to act accordingly??

FN in MT

Easier said than done Muss. And at 32 many young men are still trying to figure out what they want to do with their life.

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Life Is A Gift. Defend it!

I agree, and I've made my own missteps when I was even older than Lochte, but this is his third Olympics. He's been swimming internationally for 12 years, with 12 Olympic medals. He had it figured out, but now he's got to figure something else out . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

To me, this behavior is that of an entitled brat. When we are referred to as ugly Americans by other countries, this is why. These athletes understand whats expected of them. It's disappointing coming from a 4 time Olympian. Where's the leadership from a veteran Olympian?

Most of us did and said dumb things when we were *young*, like back when we were 15 or 18. Lochte is 32 years old - plenty old enough to know you don't just look into TV cameras and tell lie after lie after lie.

He was celebrating, got drunk, got stupid, lied and got caught. And he will pay dearly in loss of both money and reputation.
Athletes, actors, politicians and all sorts of public figures pull similar stupid stunts almost every day. No doubt many of us have done something along these lines at some point in our lives as well.
Nothing to see here, move on.

Sums it up perfectly!

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Still Running Against the Wind

Really? I was 19 and carrying a Firearm and making very important decisions in other peoples lives. I'm sorry friend,.... choices and accountability.

They acted foolishly, filed a false police report, then lied to the public about it. I used to travel to Brazil often, robbery is not unusual. But don't use it as a cover up for some stupid actions.
Steve W

Not everyone is like you and I. And I'm certain there are skeletons in your closet. It's a different world these days which is no excuse.

Our society puts athletes on a pedestal and expect them to be perfect. And when perfect doesn't happen, we who put them there are the first to bad mouth them.

As Muss said above, he should have known better. And he will pay for his mistakes as everyone should.

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Life Is A Gift. Defend it!

The behavior is what it is, no excuse for it.

That said, I'm not inclined to be overly apologetic to a "host" that invites folks from around the globe to a cesspool of human debris both in the water and on land. And I'm not the least bit interested in participating in our national flaggelation over the behavior of a couple of Americans. They can take gas station toilet repairs out of the million$ in aid us taxpayers send them. I've been underwhelmed by their thanks for all our generosity over the years. Yeah, that's right!

Had he not done anything stupid most people would have put him on a pedestal for a week or two and forgotten his name.

Now he's gonna be in every news cycle taking away the spotlight from the other athletes that deserve it and know how to act.

And, Yes. I've done plenty of stupid things. I might break into stupid mode at any time. Just not that stupid.

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Dum vivo cano

On a bright note, however, even though I usually don't watch these things, but I understand that a couple of student athletes from WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY (one of my Alma Maters), and just a few miles down the road from me, took home a couple of medals, Ginny Thrasher won the first gold for the US, I believe, but the media tried to minimize her achievement by calling it a "minor medal"!!! Oh, well, we don't want to glorify shooting and guns, now do we??? Hmmmph.

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

He's mentality hasn't caught up to his age.

I have moments where I act like I'm 20 again but its harmless and cops and/or guns being drawn isn't involved

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

Yep, He's one of those guys that should never drink.

You can tell a lot about someone when they drink the Personality Enhancer.

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Dum vivo cano

I did many terribly stupid things while drunk. The fact that I was inebriated does not absolve me from responsibility in any way. I screwed up and had to face a lot of consequences.

"Boys will be boys" won't fly when we are talking about highly disciplined and trained adult male athletes.

I hate that I'm remembering a book title from many years ago: The Ugly American. And that this cluster has diverted a lot of well-deserved attention from superb athletes who performed brilliantly and behaved like grownups.

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Oh well, what the hell.

Annnnd what else can we put on the TV to draw your
attention away from other current criminal activities
here that actually MATTER to Americans ????



Chuck

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They hold no Quarter

In spite of the problems the Olympics have been a super success and the comportment of our young people, and practically everybody else except for a very few poor sports has made it delightful to watch and follow. So we have to have a few jackasses to blemish a nearly perfect event.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

He's a DB. As others have said, move along.........

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Even older, even crankier....

Just because someone excels at sports, does not mean they are necessarily, a roll model. o.j. Simpson, Bruce Jenner, the list is endless. I learned that lesson about 60 years ago while attempting to get autographs after a S.F. Giants game. Have never cared for athletes since.

It's all that Phelps guy's fault. If he wasn't around the spoiled brat would be the best.

Another case of I am special because I'm an athlete.

Different generation, if I or my son would have done that the cops would move over while parental rear kicking took place.

On the other hand, there seems to be a pile of evidence that the Brazil police intentionally spun it against the swimmers knwing a robbery was committed. I didn't realize the armed thugs were off duty cops, that explains a lot as to why they were never charged with robbery.

Did Rio cops embellish story like Lochte?

details are becoming clearer about what happened during a gas station encounter between four U.S. swimmers and security guards, and not everyone has concluded Ryan Lochte and his teammates are in the wrong or that the account offered by Rio authorities is accurate.

a narrative of the night’s events – constructed by USA TODAY Sports from witness statements, official investigations, surveillance videos and media reports – supports Lochte’s account in which he said that he thought the swimmers were being robbed when they were approached at a gas station by armed men who flashed badges, pointed guns at them and demanded money.

A Brazilian judge says police might have been hasty in determining that the security guards who drew guns on the swimmers and demanded money did not commit a robbery. A lawyer who has practiced in Brazil for 25 years says she does not think the actions of Lochte and teammate Jimmy Feigen constitute the filing of a false police report as defined under Brazilian law.

An extensive review of surveillance footage by a USA TODAY Sports videographer who also visited the gas station supports swimmer Gunnar Bentz’s claim that he did not see anyone vandalize the restroom, an allegation that in particular heightened media portrayals of the four as obnoxious Americans behaving recklessly in a foreign country. Meanwhile, Rio authorities have declined to identify the guards or offer any details beyond confirming they are members of law enforcement who were working a private security detail.

Its a good thing it didn't happen in Chicago
Ha said that the officers stole $400. It was $40.The video shows them tearing up a poster Lochte lied and dodged out of the country, leaving his friends to take the rap.
Brazil has problems getting ready for the OLYMPICS .,Reported as having contaminated water -beaches Roving gangs, robing & vandalizing.Naturally they are trying to show the world they are not a third world country. Their security has been good .His statement to the world that he was robbed by police really cast a dark shadow on the country . No wonder they went after the swimmers .Lets see if LOCKTE goes back to fess up to the country.
And we KNOW that the American media always reports facts.

And neither Kim Rhode or Virginia Thrasher will ever be on the Wheaties cereal box.

You mean my Wheaties Box collection has no value any more?

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Still Running Against the Wind

I can't believe they spent that much time and energy covering it. There were so many other positive stories that could have been covered instead. Who really cares what happened with him?

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Why duck?? It's a 9mm!

A thug is a thug,regardless of the country or continent he's on at the time of the crime 24/7.

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Life is short,live it fully.

Meh, who cares. Another example of "liberal inspired entitlement existence" that has enveloped this country. Shocked, I tell you, shocked. Joe

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Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

OK, so now I think we're getting closer to the truth.
USA Today: Rio Police Lying About Ryan Lochte Gas Station Encounter - Breitbart

I believe this guy's account:

Aug. 19, 2016
Statement by University of Georgia Swimmer Gunnar Bentz

"I want to offer a sincere apology to the United States Olympic Committee, USA Swimming, the extraordinary women and men of Team USA, and the University of Georgia. Being a member of the Olympic Swimming Team was an honor and a dream come true. The accomplishments of my teammates were awe-inspiring and I'm so pleased I got to see them up close. I regret this situation has drawn attention away from the Olympics, which have been hosted so incredibly well by Brazil and its citizens.

"While I am anxious to put this matter behind me and rejoin my Georgia teammates in classes, practices and competitions, I feel compelled to stress several key points.

1. I was never a suspect in the case from the beginning (Brazilian law enforcement officials saw me only as a witness).
2. I never made a false statement to anyone at any time.

"I also want to be forthright about the details of what transpired last Sunday. What follows is consistent with the account I gave to the Brazilian authorities when I was interviewed for the first and only time on Thursday in Rio de Janeiro:

"After attending an event with several swimmers from different nations, I left in a taxicab along with U.S. swimmers Jack Conger, Jimmy Feigen and Ryan Lochte around 6 a.m. On the way back to the Olympic Village, we pulled into a convenience store to use the restroom. There was no restroom inside, so we foolishly relieved ourselves on the backside of the building behind some bushes. There was a locked door out back and I did not witness anyone breaking it open. I am unsure why, but while we were in that area, Ryan pulled to the ground a framed metal advertisement that was loosely anchored to the brick wall. I then suggested to everyone that we needed to leave the area and we returned to the taxi.

"Two men, whom I believe to have been security guards, then instructed us to exit the vehicle. No guns were drawn during this exchange, but we did see a gun tucked into one of the guard's waistband. As Jimmy and Jack were walking away from the vehicle, the first security guard held up a badge to me and drew his handgun. I yelled to them to come back toward us and they complied. Then the second guard drew his weapon and both guards pointed their guns at us and yelled at us to sit on a nearby sidewalk.
"Again, I cannot speak to his actions, but Ryan stood up and began to yell at the guards. After Jack and I both tugged at him in an attempt to get him to sit back down, Ryan and the security guards had a heated verbal exchange, but no physical contact was made.

"A man that I believe to be a customer approached us and offered to help as he spoke both English and Portuguese. Understandably, we were frightened and confused during this time. Through the interpreter, one of the guards said that we needed to pay them in order to leave. I gave them what I had in my wallet, which was a $20 bill, and Jimmy gave them 100 Reals, which is about $50 in total. They lowered the guns and I used hand gestures to ask if it was okay to leave and they said yes. We walked about a block down the street and hailed another taxi to return to the Village.

"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. I also believe some scenes have been skipped over. Additionally, I would like to stress that our original taxi was not pulled over; the only occupants of the taxi were the four of us and the driver; and to my knowledge, there was no damage done to the door or the inside of the restroom.

"I am so thankful for the love and support of my family, my friends and my teammates during this time. Without question, I am taking away a valuable life lesson from this situation. In everything I do, I am representing my family, my country and my school. I will not take that responsibility lightly."
-- Gunnar Bentz, Aug. 19, 2016

GEORGIADOGS.COM - Statement By UGA's Gunnar Bentz - University of Georgia Official Athletic Site

I agree. Hey-he took a pee and acted out after months of restraint. Maybe it's just me, but there is a lot of questions remaining for the Bazillion side of this deal.