Ryan Lochte Suspension News and Updates: Decorated Olympian to Serve 10-Month Swimming Ban
One of the most memorable moments during the recently-concluded 2016 Rio Olympics was also one of the most embarrassing in United States sporting history. Decorated swimmer Ryan Lochte made false claims that he was robbed at gunpoint at a Brazilian gas station and, in turn, created a fiasco in "The Marvelous City".
Despite Lochte already issuing an apologetic statement, the trouble he inserted himself into is not yet over. The 12-time Olympic medalist has been suspended for 10 months by the United States Olympic Committee, with the approval of the International Olympic Committee and USA Swimming.
Who to believe?
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If Lochte is to be believed, the incident that happened in Rio could give the Brazilian district and its law enforcement system a bad name. After partying post-Olympic swimming competition, Lochte and four other US teammates—Jimmy Feigen, Gunnar Bentz and Jack Conger—went to a gas station to relieve themselves.
They were then pulled over by Rio police, with one officer allegedly holding a gun to Lochte's forehead. He also said the officers let them go after taking cash from his wallet. His mother reported the events to USA TODAY Sports the next day.
The media circus that followed prompted the Rio authorities to respond to Lochte and Feigen's claims, and to eventually rule that the swimmers had given false statements. They also alleged that the swimmers forced the officer's hand by breaking into and vandalizing the gas station's restroom. The latter statement is still unfounded.
Lochte and Feigen had since been regarded as the ones who made false claims, while Bentz and Conger were witnesses. The issues created another media frenzy, portraying the four, especially Lochte, as reckless and disrespectful US citizens in a foreign country.
What now for Lochte?
The 32-year-old is banned from competing in the 2017 world championship meet in Budapest, while Brazilian police are still intent on pressing charges against the veteran Olympian.
His suspension was also a tough punishment as it is fairly long for someone who technically did not endanger lives with his actions. Record-breaking US swimming legend Michael Phelps committed two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and he only got suspended for six months. The remaining three swimmers, meanwhile, were handed out at most a four-month suspension.
While serving his suspension, Lochte would spend his time competing in a completely different stage - "Dancing with the Stars". He hopes that by showcasing his "dancing skills", people will start moving on from the Rio issue.
