US sorry: swimmers in hot water
THE US Olympic Committee has issued a grovelling apology to the people of Rio for embarrassing their country over the Ryan Lochte affair.
In an international embarrassment for the US Olympic team, Brazilian police mounted a case against the swimmers yesterday, using CCTV footage to claim the four had sensationally made up the story about being robbed at gunpoint to cover up a messy night out that saw them vandalise a service station bathroom.
Brazilian authorities claimed the team had “stained” the city of Rio, taking advantage of well-publicised crime rates to cover up their own bad behaviour.
Police alleged there was an altercation with a security guard who worked at the station – not an armed robber.
The guard did however point the gun at the swimmers.
After staying silent while swimmers were interviewed by police, the US Olympic committee issued a statement last night to concede one of the swimmers had vandalised the rest room.
“An argument ensued between the athletes and two armed gas station security staff, who displayed their weapons, ordered the athletes from their vehicle and demanded the athletes provide a monetary payment,” the statement said.
“Once the security officials received money from the athletes, the athletes were allowed to leave.”
The statement said “potential consequences” for the athletes would be reviewed on return to the US.
“On behalf of the USOC we apologise to our hosts in Rio and the people of Brazil.”