Okay, what do we think is up with Ryan Lochte's "robbery?"

[TwinFoxes]

I will preface this by saying I think Ryan Lochte is dumber than a bag of rocks. The Rio officials are calling BS on his "I was robbed" story. The cops wanted him to stay, but he'd already left (I do believe that, I don't think he snuck out, the swimming competition is over and Katie Ledecky arrived home too.) The Brazilian authorities just pulled two of the other Americans who were supposedly with Lochte off the plane. Jimmy Fegan, was supposed to be on the plane, but he never showed up for the flight, despite having checked in.

Despite my dislike of Ryan Lochte, I'm having a hard time believing he made this up completely. I have a feeling we'll never know for sure. I do have a friend from Brazil (not Rio) who said if someone pulls you over and tells you to get on the ground, they're going to execute you. So maybe he embellished a story? Just wondering what others think.

[KpbS]

Why would they not take his phone or credentials? That doesn't add up.

[carolinacool]

On the contrary, I fell for this fool back in 2008. He is so fine to me, he's athletic and apparently he's a nice guy. Three out of four ain't bad. lol And Ryan might be a bit slow on the uptake, but he had sense enough to get out of Brazil with the quickness.

So I'm trying desperately to give him the benefit of the doubt. My theory: I think they were robbed, but probably by some hookers or some minor drug dealers (marijuana, pills, etc). They got embarrassed and cooked up this story. I've seen the video of them arriving back at the Village and I can't really read anything in their expressions, although their behavior does seem a bit low-key. And who released that video to the public anyway? I don't know. I do know the swimming association is probably highly peeved this is all going on and distracting from the great week they had.

ETA: I was wondering about the phones, too. People have said modern phones are so easily traceable that most crooks don't bother with them anymore.

[SnuggleBuggles]

I'm with Carolina though I think that the taxi driver was in on it and they were robbed. Rio officials are now embarrassed and making things worse in an effort to look better. I hope all the teammates are ok.


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[carolinacool]

I am concerned that no one seems to know where the two guys who were pulled off the plane are. Seems to be a very fluid situation.

[TwinFoxes]

On the contrary, I fell for this fool back in 2008. He is so fine to me, he's athletic and apparently he's a nice guy.

Aww, taken in by a pretty face. :) I think he's nice because he's too dumb to be mean. ;)

Totally unrelated, but Seth MacFarlane played him in an SNL skit after London 2012, and his "Ryan" pronounced the NBC series "Go On" as "Goon.' My DH and I were dying!

[carolinacool]

Ha! I never saw his reality show because I thought it might be painful to watch.

[SnuggleBuggles]

Ha! I never saw his reality show because I thought it might be painful to watch.

I only saw clips on The Soup. :). Dh and I love that airhead! It's amazing how clueless he can make himself look.


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[Momit]

I just saw something funny on Twitter, asking if there's a Lochte's Razor principle by which the stupidest explanation is likely to be the truth. Hehe.

[georgiegirl]

I am concerned that no one seems to know where the two guys who were pulled off the plane are. Seems to be a very fluid situation.

I'm worried about them too. At least Lochte was smart enough to get out of the country asap.


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[KpbS]

I'm sure the driver was in on it. Makes perfect sense.

Why were they not freaked on the security footage? They had been out all night partying...

[DualvansMommy]

i only just heard about the robbery and now the flight drama, i don't get it. maybe i'm missing something, but why the disbelief over this robbery? EVERYONE knows the police in Brazil is corrupt as all out. This story isn't as far fetched to me, and yes the fact now those two swimmers cannot be found should worry anyone.

[georgiegirl]

My guess is that they were drunk/high, so that's why there are conflicting reports from the swimmers. Hopefully out people are trying to get the other swimmers out of the country safely.


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[klwa]

My guess is they got in trouble for being out after curfew & so made up the story. And/or that it was a case of drug dealer/prostitutes.

[basil]

I guess I don't know what would motivate Ryan and others to make up a robbery. Not like he needed more attention.

Brazil probably has a lot of motivation to make it seem like random tourists don't get routinely robbed at gunpoint though.

[klwa]

i only just heard about the robbery and now the flight drama, i don't get it. maybe i'm missing something, but why the disbelief over this robbery? EVERYONE knows the police in Brazil is corrupt as all out. This story isn't as far fetched to me, and yes the fact now those two swimmers cannot be found should worry anyone.

I think the issue is that the stories of the swimmers aren't matching, and some have said items were stolen that have been seen in the swimmers' possession. (Original story said Lochte's watch was stolen. After he was seen wearing it, they came out & said, no it was a different guy's watch. That kind of thing.)

While I don't doubt it's a possibility, I think the idea of them trying to get out of trouble is as likely.

[TwinFoxes]

i only just heard about the robbery and now the flight drama, i don't get it. maybe i'm missing something, but why the disbelief over this robbery? EVERYONE knows the police in Brazil is corrupt as all out. This story isn't as far fetched to me, and yes the fact now those two swimmers cannot be found should worry anyone.

I think a lot of the disbelief is because people think they would have been murdered and not just allowed to get back in a cab and go on their merry way. Then in the video of them arriving at the athlete's village they look very calm, but also kind of drunk. It's hard for me to tell, but it looks like Lochte put his wallet in the little bowl before he walked through the metal detectors. It was either his wallet or his phone, both of which were supposedly stolen. Plus, Ryan Lochte is a known party animal.

I am not worried about the safety of the other US swimmers at all. The cops may be corrupt, but they're not going to harm well-known USA swimmers.

[TwinFoxes]

I only saw clips on The Soup. :). Dh and I love that airhead! It's amazing how clueless he can make himself look.

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Same here, my DH and I loved seeing him on the soup.

[JBaxter]

I wouldn't be surprised of "paid" escorts get tossed into the mix. Something happened I'm just not sure what.

[mom2binsd]

My guess is they got in trouble for being out after curfew & so made up the story. And/or that it was a case of drug dealer/prostitutes.

He was done his events and didn't have a curfew. I think the taxi driver was in on it, and because they were admittedly partying and probably pretty drunk (which is not against the law) their recollection of details isn't perfect. I'm going to cut him some slack on this one and go with the overwhelming issue of corruption and crime prevalent in Rio. Lochte and his buddies didn't need to pay for prostitutes, they get plenty of action on their own!

[SnuggleBuggles]

He was done his events and didn't have a curfew. I think the taxi driver was in on it, and because they were admittedly partying and probably pretty drunk (which is not against the law) their recollection of details isn't perfect. I'm going to cut him some slack on this one and go with the overwhelming issue of corruption and crime prevalent in Rio. Lochte and his buddies didn't need to pay for prostitutes, they get plenty of action on their own!

Totally agree and that's what I think happened too.


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[Kindra178]

I guess I don't know what would motivate Ryan and others to make up a robbery. Not like he needed more attention.

Brazil probably has a lot of motivation to make it seem like random tourists don't get routinely robbed at gunpoint though.

Yes to this.

[carolinacool]

Well, this has taken a turn. I know it's TMZ, but they have been more right than wrong of late:

http://www.tmz.com/2016/08/18/team-usa-swimmers-ryan-lochte-gas-station-security-guard/

In short, the swimmers supposedly damaged a bathroom at the gas station where the "robbery" took place and had to pay up for expenses.

[div_0305]

Well, this has taken a turn. I know it's TMZ, but they have been more right than wrong of late:

http://www.tmz.com/2016/08/18/team-usa-swimmers-ryan-lochte-gas-station-security-guard/

In short, the swimmers supposedly damaged a bathroom at the gas station where the "robbery" took place and had to pay up for expenses.

Yes, I read the same on an NBC news report. Agree with OP that he seems dumber than a bag of rocks, and he's just so immaturely tarnished his fame and accomplishments. Perhaps too much chlorine has killed off brain cells that manage executive functioning. I didn't vote in the poll because I'd pick both number 3 and 4, and that was before these new details show he was lying. Pathetic.

[div_0305]

I only saw clips on The Soup. :). Dh and I love that airhead! It's amazing how clueless he can make himself look.


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I saw a video of a live news interview where Lochte said something so stupid about "being a man when you go to bed, and being a man in the morning." The interviewers were so dumbfounded, that they burst into uncontrollable TEARS---- of laughter ON AIR after the interview. Here it is:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnceMoPtVfE

[TwinFoxes]

Lochte and his buddies didn't need to pay for prostitutes, they get plenty of action on their own!

You know some guys like sex with prostitutes, right? I'm not saying that these guys did/do, but the whole notion of guys only pay for prostitutes because they can't get a girl is untrue. Maybe they wanted something kinky that's just easier to get with a pro.

[jerigirl]

I am concerned about the one swimmer who didn't show up for his plane and his whereabouts were unknown as of yesterday. I haven't heard any updates today.

[TwinFoxes]

Well, this has taken a turn. I know it's TMZ, but they have been more right than wrong of late:

http://www.tmz.com/2016/08/18/team-usa-swimmers-ryan-lochte-gas-station-security-guard/

In short, the swimmers supposedly damaged a bathroom at the gas station where the "robbery" took place and had to pay up for expenses.

I bet they trashed the bathroom, the cops were called, they said "pay or come with us", they chose "pay", were drunk and probably freaking out and started talking about "man, I wonder what would have happened if we'd gone with them, they probably would have killed us". And then Lochte told some version of that to his mom, who then told the media that he'd been robbed. And trouble ensued...

[hwin708]

I am concerned about the one swimmer who didn't show up for his plane and his whereabouts were unknown as of yesterday. I haven't heard any updates today.
I don't think his whereabouts are "unknown" so much as they are undisclosed.

The IOC, USOC, and the American embassy have all been confirmed to keeping a close eye on the swimmers, who have also all three been confirmed to have been held by the police for questioning.

The one swimmer who did not make the flight at all was the one swimmer who was actually involved in the "robbery." As he appears to be part of filing a bogus police report, he is potentially facing charges. It seems legal and just that he be held while charges are pending. The justice system in America would do very much the same thing.

[TwinFoxes]

I am concerned about the one swimmer who didn't show up for his plane and his whereabouts were unknown as of yesterday. I haven't heard any updates today.

He didn't show because he didn't want to show. The USOC seems not in the slightest bit concerned.

[MSWR0319]

I bet they trashed the bathroom, the cops were called, they said "pay or come with us", they chose "pay", were drunk and probably freaking out and started talking about "man, I wonder what would have happened if we'd gone with them, they probably would have killed us". And then Lochte told some version of that to his mom, who then told the media that he'd been robbed. And trouble ensued...

I think this is an excellent guess as to what happened!

[div_0305]

He is the Miley Cyrus of the Olympians--in the way he's become a caricature that is--too rich and immature.

[mom2binsd]

Wow, what a bunch of idiots they all are!!! Did they not think that the real story would come out???? In the infamous words of Forrest Gump "stupid is as stupid does".

[AnnieW625]

Wow, what an idiot they all are!!! Did they not think that the real story would come out???? In the infamous words of Forrest Gump "stupid is as stupid does".
:yeahthat: and even though Lochte is somewhat decent looking I still could never get past the stupid grill put in his teeth in 2012.

ETA: they are being indicted by the Rio police for filing a false report:
https://www.google.com/amp/abcnews.go.com/amp/International/ryan-lochte-james-feigen-indicted-rio-de-janeiro/story%3fid=41496292?client=safari

[TwinFoxes]

:yeahthat: and even though Lochte is somewhat decent looking I still could never get past the stupid grill he paid for his teeth in 2012. I find the older swimmers like Nathan Adrian, and David Palmer much more attractive.



OMG, I forgot about his grill! How could I? He looked like such a fool.

BTW, Nathan Adrian (went to my alma mater!) is like five years younger than Ryan Lochte. He just seems older because he can string a sentence together without saying "duh".

[AnnieW625]

OMG, I forgot about his grill! How could I? He looked like such a fool.

BTW, Nathan Adrian (went to my alma mater!) is like five years younger than Ryan Lochte. He just seems older because he can string a sentence together without saying "duh".

I edited this part out when I found out that Locthe is 32 because he just seems so immature and this takes the cake. I had no idea he was that old. A family friend is the aunt of the Cal swim coach and has always spoken kindly of her. I have friends who swam for her in college too.

[carolinacool]

Mmmmm, Nathan.

lol

[TwinFoxes]

Mmmmm, Nathan.

lol
Now that I can get behind. :) We'd hold hands and he'd hum the Cal fight song in my ear... ;)

[mom2binsd]

You know some guys like sex with prostitutes, right? I'm not saying that these guys did/do, but the whole notion of guys only pay for prostitutes because they can't get a girl is untrue. Maybe they wanted something kinky that's just easier to get with a pro.

Oh, I"m aware of that, lots of guys, especially athletes use prostitutes, I just didn't get that women were involved in this escapade, apparently it was some stupid drunken behavior and bad judgement.

[TwinFoxes]

Oh, I"m aware of that, lots of guys, especially athletes use prostitutes, I just didn't get that women were involved in this escapade, apparently it was some stupid drunken behavior and bad judgement.

It was "they didn't have to pay" that I was commenting on, not lack of evidence of escorts. Lot's of guys don't have to pay, they choose to.

[Kindra178]

This story puts it all together.

http://deadspin.com/this-might-be-the-best-account-of-what-happened-with-th-1785489591?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_facebo ok&utm_source=deadspin_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow

[chlobo]

So now people are saying that he was indeed robbed because post vandalism a gun was aimed at them and money demanded. That spells robbery.

[Melbel]

The whole story is bizarre and many things still do not make sense. If you watch the videos, they largely do not support the police contention that the swimmers were rowdy and/or jovial upon returning to Olympic village. The gas station videos were also highly edited with several minutes missing (that Lochte claims would support his account).

Some of my concerns are articulated here: http://www.forbes.com/sites/shannonsims/2016/08/18/the-case-for-ryan-lochte/#565481742634

I find it incredulous that I have not seen any pictures of the alleged damage to the bathroom and have read varying accounts of what exactly was broken. Door? Mirror? Soap dish? Advertisement display? If all these items were broken, $50 would not fix it. If the damage existed, wouldn't the Brazilian police be leaking them to the press? I do think a couple swimmers urinated outdoors upon finding a locked bathroom.

I suspect that the truth is somewhere in between and that there may have been some legitimate confusion/inconsistencies due to intoxication, sleep deprivation, and language barrier (not to mention Lochte's intellectual challenges). Lochte's initial account of being pulled over by the police was clearly not factually accurate, but he made the factual clarification quickly before the situation got out of hand. I think Lochte initially embellished for attention and to weave a more sensational story. I think it is likely the armed guards extorted cash for "damages" at gunpoint. I personally had a train conductor in Spain threaten to take away our rail passes unless we paid him money (that was absolutely not required with our tickets). A local stood up for us and he went away. There is abuse of power out there. One of the security guards was an off duty policeman, so I could see a bias for the police to protect their own. I am not a Lochte loyalist and readily see his flaws. There are still too many holes and inconsistencies to make a final judgement based on facts known.

[TwinFoxes]

So now people are saying that he was indeed robbed because post vandalism a gun was aimed at them and money demanded. That spells robbery.

Or a demand to pay for damages after the six foot tall muscle bound guys vandalized someone's business, peed all over it, and then tried to leave. If it were Texas, they'd have been shot. The swimmers said about $50 was taken, no cell phones, no wallets, no watches. I'm sure they were freaked out and probably scared, but I think it's a stretch to say they were robbed.

I love this from the Deadspin article:
When the media reports started, the four swimmers spoke to U.S. State Department officials and they agreed to shut up. Almost immediately after the briefing, Lochte “walked across the street” and gave an interview to NBC (http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/2016-rio-summer-olympics/u-s-swimmer-ryan-lochte-robbed-gunpoint-brazil-n630396) where he told his side of the story, including the infamous anecdote about how he replied to a gun to his head by saying “Whatever.”

He's such an idiot.

I do find it interesting that people are bending over backwards to prove that Ryan Lochte was a victim. He was in another country, drunk, vandalized a private business, peed on it, lied about it multiple times, filed a false police report, and then flew home leaving his much younger friends to deal with his mess. I have a feeling some of those same people have a list of reasons Trayvon Martin deserved to be shot while walking to his dad's house.

[Melbel]

I do find it interesting that people are bending over backwards to prove that Ryan Lochte was a victim. He was in another country, drunk, vandalized a private business, peed on it, lied about it multiple times, filed a false police report, and then flew home leaving his much younger friends to deal with his mess. I have a feeling some of those same people have a list of reasons Trayvon Martin deserved to be shot while walking to his dad's house.

It sounds like you are responding specifically responding to me, which is a false portrayal of my post and even has a racist edge which is absolutely uncalled for. I am an attorney - I look for inconsistencies/holes and consider a variety of sources before judging, regardless of race. I have been taught to look for weaknesses in both sides of cases. We are well acquainted with the prosecutors in the TM case and have years of dedication in the SAO office. After careful examination of the facts and following the TM trial testimony, I was disappointed there was not a conviction in that case.

Thus far, I think there has been a rush to judgment - first, in believing Lochte's account as originally presented, and now, the claims that he fabricated the whole story. I have not seen evidence of vandalism other than public urination which would not warrant guns being drawn (i.e. pictures or videos of the damage). The TODAY show cited a source that stated they confirmed there was no such damage in the bathroom. If the swimmers did vandalize the bathroom, why weren't they charged with this crime? Did Lochte even file a "police report" or did they make false reports in the news? I am reading conflicting accounts including a report that his mom filed a report. Is it entirely fair to judge Lochte for taking his previously scheduled flight (if this is in fact confirmed)? The flight was before any formal action by the Brazilian government.

Lochte is paying a huge price in public opinion and will likely lose millions in endorsements due to his night of drunken behavior. He will likely be sanctioned in the swimming circles. Legally, there are far more questions for me than answers.

[khm]

This article sums it up for me. It is like the stupidest drunken bro movie come to life. I mean, it'd be eyeroll worthy as a lame movie, but its REAL.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/starring-now-in-brazils-theater-of-the-absurd-ryan-lochtes-one-act-play-of-stupidity-034033651.html

Lochte was busy posting stupid Snapchats to friends (which of course were snagged and put online) while his cohorts were being questioned and the news was all over that.

He always has seemed very, very dim, but WOW.

[chlobo]

The whole story is bizarre and many things still do not make sense. If you watch the videos, they largely do not support the police contention that the swimmers were rowdy and/or jovial upon returning to Olympic village. The gas station videos were also highly edited with several minutes missing (that Lochte claims would support his account).

Some of my concerns are articulated here: http://www.forbes.com/sites/shannonsims/2016/08/18/the-case-for-ryan-lochte/#565481742634

I find it incredulous that I have not seen any pictures of the alleged damage to the bathroom and have read varying accounts of what exactly was broken. Door? Mirror? Soap dish? Advertisement display? If all these items were broken, $50 would not fix it. If the damage existed, wouldn't the Brazilian police be leaking them to the press? I do think a couple swimmers urinated outdoors upon finding a locked bathroom.

I suspect that the truth is somewhere in between and that there may have been some legitimate confusion/inconsistencies due to intoxication, sleep deprivation, and language barrier (not to mention Lochte's intellectual challenges). Lochte's initial account of being pulled over by the police was clearly not factually accurate, but he made the factual clarification quickly before the situation got out of hand. I think Lochte initially embellished for attention and to weave a more sensational story. I think it is likely the armed guards extorted cash for "damages" at gunpoint. I personally had a train conductor in Spain threaten to take away our rail passes unless we paid him money (that was absolutely not required with our tickets). A local stood up for us and he went away. There is abuse of power out there. One of the security guards was an off duty policeman, so I could see a bias for the police to protect their own. I am not a Lochte loyalist and readily see his flaws. There are still too many holes and inconsistencies to make a final judgement based on facts known.

But if Locate had just kept his mouth shut this would have all gone by the wayside and no one would have ever heard about it. He is the one who made it an issue.

[chlobo]

I do find it interesting that people are bending over backwards to prove that Ryan Lochte was a victim. He was in another country, drunk, vandalized a private business, peed on it, lied about it multiple times, filed a false police report, and then flew home leaving his much younger friends to deal with his mess. I have a feeling some of those same people have a list of reasons Trayvon Martin deserved to be shot while walking to his dad's house.

Oh, that just youthful indiscretion.

[carolinacool]

This article sums it up for me. It is like the stupidest drunken bro movie come to life. I mean, it'd be eyeroll worthy as a lame movie, but its REAL.

It really, truly is.

Ryan has since tweeted out his apology that was clearly written by his PR team. He doesn't say that he exactly lied, and to Melbel's point, I don't really understand what the bathroom damage is. The two young swimmers did say someone peed on a wall.

I agree that whatever happened that night could have been a misunderstanding based on several points (language, etc.) But Lochte going on NBC was all on him. Even if his mom did go to the media about a robbery (which is where this all started), he could have cut it off there and said his mom "misunderstood." Just take the wrath from your mama about stretching the truth and don't turn it into a freakin' international incident. I don't want to say this mess overshadowed the final week of the Olympics but it came close!

[Melbel]

But if Locate had just kept his mouth shut this would have all gone by the wayside and no one would have ever heard about it. He is the one who made it an issue.

Agreed and he is or will be paying a hefty price in the media, with sponsors, fans and colleagues for his embellishments and drunken antics. I wouldn't be surprised if he was still drunk when he talked to his mom and the whole thing spun out of control.

I am sure his attorneys are telling him not to give any statements or interviews. His apology was likely written by an attorney. My gut is that it was a shake down for money (as was the "donation" that was required for Jimmy Feigen to to leave the country), but Lochte ended up making himself look very bad by (1) embellishing; and (2) coming off as an irresponsible, disrespectful frat boy. I would love to see the 3 minutes of missing video footage that was edited out.

[mom2binsd]

Take this all within the context of the bizarre world of Ryan Lochte, who says he has "trademarked" the word "jeah" http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/21/jeah-ryan-lochte-trademark_n_1818737.html

and starred in his own short lived reality show "What would Ryan Lochte do?".

We now we see life imitating art and the answer to the question is obviously, Ryan Lochte would create a %$itstorm of a controversy in the middle of the RIO Olympics!

[R2sweetboys]

I honestly was skeptical about this story from the very beginning. Not that I doubt that this kind of thing happens there, but this story just seemed far-fetched. I think it was when I heard that their phones and credentials(a PITA to replace) were conveniently not taken that I really had doubts. I don't know what happened but I don't believe their story.

[westwoodmom04]

I can't for the life of me understand why the Brazilians are pursuing this to the extent they are. It isn't as if they arrested someone on the basis of the report or even clear if a police report was filed, meanwhile other robberies of athletes are occurri

[StantonHyde]

I heard a report from a journalist who is in Rio. She said that the local view of this is not good. That the IOC is saying it is no big deal but the local people are angry. And the police are really, really mad because it makes them look bad. Having lived in SLC during the 2002 Olympics, I can tell you that people/officials were ON anything that would make the city look bad. They want all the positive PR they can get.

Meanwhile, I guess there was an incident with 2 Australian team members who were actually robbed. But they were clubbing somewhere they were told not to be. They are now on a curfew and have some other disciplinarian action aimed at them.

All the swimmers in this incident need to get lawyers and issue big, fat apologies. Filing false charges in Brazil is apparently punishable by up to 3 years in jail. (according to the journalist interview) They just need to come clean, beg for forgiveness, and go home!!!

[TwinFoxes]

It sounds like you are responding specifically responding to me, which is a false portrayal of my post and even has a racist edge which is absolutely uncalled for. I am an attorney - I look for inconsistencies/holes and consider a variety of sources before judging, regardless of race. I have been taught to look for weaknesses in both sides of cases. We are well acquainted with the prosecutors in the TM case and have years of dedication in the SAO office. After careful examination of the facts and following the TM trial testimony, I was disappointed there was not a conviction in that case.

Thus far, I think there has been a rush to judgment - first, in believing Lochte's account as originally presented, and now, the claims that he fabricated the whole story. I have not seen evidence of vandalism other than public urination which would not warrant guns being drawn (i.e. pictures or videos of the damage). The TODAY show cited a source that stated they confirmed there was no such damage in the bathroom. If the swimmers did vandalize the bathroom, why weren't they charged with this crime? Did Lochte even file a "police report" or did they make false reports in the news? I am reading conflicting accounts including a report that his mom filed a report. Is it entirely fair to judge Lochte for taking his previously scheduled flight (if this is in fact confirmed)? The flight was before any formal action by the Brazilian government.

Lochte is paying a huge price in public opinion and will likely lose millions in endorsements due to his night of drunken behavior. He will likely be sanctioned in the swimming circles. Legally, there are far more questions for me than answers.


I didn't even see your post. I had no idea why you think it was in response to you, then I saw that my post was right after your first post. I really think we posted at the same time, because I hadn't seen it. I've been on this board a long time, and I think most people know if I have something to say to someone, I'll say it. So, no, it wasn't in response to you at all. Now I'm going to read your post. I'll let you know if I have issues with it. :)

[TwinFoxes]

The whole story is bizarre and many things still do not make sense. If you watch the videos, they largely do not support the police contention that the swimmers were rowdy and/or jovial upon returning to Olympic village. The gas station videos were also highly edited with several minutes missing (that Lochte claims would support his account).

Some of my concerns are articulated here: http://www.forbes.com/sites/shannonsims/2016/08/18/the-case-for-ryan-lochte/#565481742634

I find it incredulous that I have not seen any pictures of the alleged damage to the bathroom and have read varying accounts of what exactly was broken. Door? Mirror? Soap dish? Advertisement display? If all these items were broken, $50 would not fix it. If the damage existed, wouldn't the Brazilian police be leaking them to the press? I do think a couple swimmers urinated outdoors upon finding a locked bathroom.

I suspect that the truth is somewhere in between and that there may have been some legitimate confusion/inconsistencies due to intoxication, sleep deprivation, and language barrier (not to mention Lochte's intellectual challenges). Lochte's initial account of being pulled over by the police was clearly not factually accurate, but he made the factual clarification quickly before the situation got out of hand. I think Lochte initially embellished for attention and to weave a more sensational story. I think it is likely the armed guards extorted cash for "damages" at gunpoint. I personally had a train conductor in Spain threaten to take away our rail passes unless we paid him money (that was absolutely not required with our tickets). A local stood up for us and he went away. There is abuse of power out there. One of the security guards was an off duty policeman, so I could see a bias for the police to protect their own. I am not a Lochte loyalist and readily see his flaws. There are still too many holes and inconsistencies to make a final judgement based on facts known.
Okay, well the person who wrote it called it a journey "into the realm of improbability."

Also, I said in my first post that I thought something had happened, that he hadn't made up the whole thing. And honestly, it's turned out worse than I originally expected. His "apology" was awful.

Gunnar Bentz is back in the US, and he said that he saw Ryan Lochte pull an advertising display off the wall, they all peed on the building, he didn't see a broken door. No one pulled a gun on them until after two of the swimmers were walking off. They were told to sit on the curb, and for whatever reason, Lochte started yelling at the guards. His statement is here:
http://deadspin.com/gunnar-bentz-is-back-in-the-u-s-and-says-ryan-lochte-i-1785529473

Again, he was drunk, belligerent, urinating on a business, at the least pulled down a framed metal advertisement. And yelling at an armed security guard. This is according to Lochte's own teammate. People have been shot for waaaay less.

I do agree that abuse of power exists.

[123LuckyMom]

I read Benz's statement as part of a much less opinionated article, but his statement rings true to me. There's no question that the swimmers behaved badly, Lochte, especially was way out of line. I do also believe they did face guns and that they were forced to hand over cash. Nobody comes out clean in that account. The swimmers were obviously drunk and urinated where they shouldn't, but the security guards also behaved reprehensibly, and I can see how Lochte, who is not the brightest bulb in the pack, could have spun that event in his own mind into "police" pulled guns on them and robbed them. This account definitely softens my attitude towards the swimmers. It's a middle ground. There were guns, there was a robbery of sorts, and there was not extensive destruction of property by the swimmers. There was drunkeness, loutish behavior with urination and the knocking over of a sign, and very unwise and arrogant behavior on Lochte's part when he argued with the security guards. It sounds about right. Clearly there's a little bit of an alcoholic culture among the swimmers. I'm glad for Michael Phelps that he's been able to get clean.


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[citymama]

He's such an idiot.

I do find it interesting that people are bending over backwards to prove that Ryan Lochte was a victim. He was in another country, drunk, vandalized a private business, peed on it, lied about it multiple times, filed a false police report, and then flew home leaving his much younger friends to deal with his mess. I have a feeling some of those same people have a list of reasons Trayvon Martin deserved to be shot while walking to his dad's house.

Indeed. Or beating up on Gabby Douglas for not holding her hand over her heart when the National Anthem was played. She gets lambasted, scorched. Lochte? "Boys will be boys." Ugh. White male American privilege, much?

[o_mom]

Indeed. Or beating up on Gabby Douglas for not holding her hand over her heart when the National Anthem was played. She gets lambasted, scorched. Lochte? "Boys will be boys." Ugh. White male American privilege, much?

Which I noted the two American shot put medal winners (white males) did not put a hand on their heart last night.

[chlobo]

Which I noted the two American shot put medal winners (white males) did not put a hand on their heart last night.

Lots of people didn't. The women hurdlers didn't either (they swept the event) and countless others.

[mikala]

Yeah, I was thinking about how this contrasted with the Gabby Douglas criticism too, or how this would have played out if it were black track and field athletes instead.

Here's an interesting article on the topic from NPR: http://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2016/08/19/490629815/roundup-smart-thoughts-on-ryan-lochte-and-white-privilege

[AnnieW625]

The no hand over the heart thing doesn't bother me because even I have to remember to do it sometimes and I have not just completed in the athletic event of my life and medaled in it. A lot of athletes don't do it or they figit during it especially when it is before a game. I notice this a lot when watching hockey on tv as now that I have been to a few hockey games live the guys at so pumped up with emotion from the 15-20 minute pre game skate that they just want to get back out there and play so following the norms for the national anthem is kind of forgotten; plus half of them on some American teams aren't even American (I know not true for the Olympics, but still I think a break is needed from this kind of criticism).

I still think Lochte needs to grow up and act 32, not 18. I don't remember any of these shenanigans from him when he was 24 and in Bejing. I don't think I knew about him until 2012.

[mom2binsd]

It was painful watching his interview/apology/confession that he "embellished" with Matt Lauer last night, my boyfriend didn't know too much of the story, but kept saying, wow, he's really dumb, he doesn't sound very bright!