Ryan Lochte's robbery story

[Red Cat]

For those of you who haven't heard, a few days ago, U.S. swimmer Ryan Lochte said he and some other swimmers were robbed at gunpoint in Rio by people posing as police during the Olympics. The other swimmers told similar stories, though there were some key differences in the details. A few days later, video and testimony disputed his account of the story. Apparently what actually happened was that he vandalized a gas station bathroom while he was drunk and then a security guard point a gun at his car to get him to leave. Lochte has since apologized for "over-exaggerating" the story. The story has gotten a lot of media attention because it's related to the Olympics. Do you guys think this story is a big deal or do you think it's being overblown? Should Lochte be punished for making up a story which could have damaged Brazil's and the Olympic's reputation? I just think it's just a young guy being drunk and stupid and people should move on, but many people think this bizarre story should be taken very seriously for how it's overshadowed the actual Olympics itself.

 

[piichinu]

i remember this

i also remember that i never cared

 

[piske]

I just watched his interview with Matt Lauer, he literally sounds so stupid. Also, he's not that young, he's 32 :|

 

[Romaki]

It's childish. He's a grown man who needs to be held responsible for the actions he chose to take.

 

[seliph]

Recent events show that you can get away with anything as long as you're a pretty good swimmer

 

[PigsAndBlankets]

Ryan Lochte's notorious for being an idiot, so I almost wasn't surprised to find out that his ridiculous story made no sense and ultimately wasn't even true. If someone is holding a legitimate gun to your head, you just don't assume it's a joke.

It does make the USA look really bad. When famous people from my own country do something stupid, I naturally feel ashamed that we're being represented by them. This whole situation is not KILLING me, but it's really frustrating when you know tons of people who have more respect for others than a grown man does-- and an Olympian at that-- and their good behavior goes unrecognized. I really don't think a proper punishment will do much to Lochte, though. His reputation is damaged and he's out of millions of dollars now that he's lost so many endorsements, so I think he's already paying the price. But over time people will forget about it and move on. He messed up, but it's nothing worth putting in history books.

 

[King Dorado]

Lochte is indeed an idiot, but his story wasn't far from the truth and may have been what his drunken and/or drug-besotted mind truly believed took place. These swimmers apparently peed on a wall behind a gas station, Lochte for whatever reason tore a paper poster off the wall, not exactly vandalism. Armed security guards then indeed flashed badges of some kind, drew their guns and pointed them at one or more of the swimmers who were trying to leave at the time, and forced them to fork over cash before they could leave. In most countries, that's armed robbery. If Lochte is deemed a liar, then guess what-- the Brazilian police and judicial personnel are also liars because they falsely said the athletes werent robbed and that nobody flashed badges at them or pointed guns at them.

 

[visibleghost]

what made him think he was robbed if nothing was stolen lmao

 

[Alienfish]

It's childish. He's a grown man who needs to be held responsible for the actions he chose to take.

Yeah, it's stupid he think he can get away with it just because he is successful and a celebrity, like come on faking a robbery in Brazil of all countries.. yeah.

@nvll yeah apparently.. and if you are from the US as well lol

 

[KaydeeKrunk]

Recent events show that you can get away with anything as long as you're a pretty good swimmer

But you gotta be white too tho.

 

[Alienfish]

But you gotta be white too tho.

Touch? lol.

But yeah anyways even if he did piss it seems like some publicity stunt still, or yeah he must have been heavily drunk and/or drugged. Even if the police makes up some details I don't say they are better, but seems like those swimmers guys wanted attention and to think they could get away with whatever.

 

[Xara]

seems stupid tbh...i literally have no interest in the olympics whatsoever, so maybe i shouldn't be talking, but i think the story is being overblown a bit...still, the guy should take responsibility for his actions, regardless of whether he's a good swimmer or not

 

[Tensu]

Nobody would care if it wasn't anything to do with the olympics, so yeah I think it's exaggerated.

 

[King Dorado]

nothing stolen? their money was handed over at gunpoint. in the USA those security guards would be prosecuted for armed robbery. probably in western Europe too. the swimmers would get a misdemeanor ticket for public urination.

 

[Red Cat]

nothing stolen? their money was handed over at gunpoint. in the USA those security guards would be prosecuted for armed robbery. probably in western Europe too. the swimmers would get a misdemeanor ticket for public urination.

True. Technically Lochte was robbed. Granted it happened because of Lochte's stupidity, but it's disturbing that the Brazilian government is just trying to pile on Lochte instead of making it clear that vigilantism is not okay even if the gas station was vandalized. I'm afraid of travelling to Brazil if it's okay for someone to accuse me of something and point a gun at me and take my money without consequence.

 

[Alienfish]

True. Technically Lochte was robbed. Granted it happened because of Lochte's stupidity, but it's disturbing that the Brazilian government is just trying to pile on Lochte instead of making it clear that vigilantism is not okay even if the gas station was vandalized. I'm afraid of travelling to Brazil if it's okay for someone to accuse me of something and point a gun at me and take my money without consequence.

Well at least you're not a white Olympic celeb swimmer faking right?

 

[Samansu]

True. Technically Lochte was robbed. Granted it happened because of Lochte's stupidity, but it's disturbing that the Brazilian government is just trying to pile on Lochte instead of making it clear that vigilantism is not okay even if the gas station was vandalized. I'm afraid of travelling to Brazil if it's okay for someone to accuse me of something and point a gun at me and take my money without consequence.

Many Olympians seemed to express the same fears, but went anyway. If I were them I would not leave the Olympic Village personally. I don't know. I'm sure Brazil is a lovely country, but there are not many countries I would visit alone, especially if I don't speak the language. Perhaps some of that fear is being a young woman, but who knows.

As for Lochte, I think he was drunk and being an idiot. He may not be 'young,' but Olympic athletes don't exactly lead normal lives. He may very well still be immature, but it doesn't excuse his behavior. However, Brazil needs to be aware that they may not have handled the situation well either. Over all it is a relatively minor incident that should not take away from the Games themselves. Just my opinion though.

And as for young, rich, white, male swimmers getting away with things? That whole Stanford Rapist thing makes me as sick to my stomach ad the Afluenza teen did. Disparity in punishment in this country is ridiculous. If either crime had been committed by a young man of color who didn't have daddy's money, they would have had the book thrown at them. I have no doubt about that.

Sorry that was long...

 

[Red Cat]

I've heard that several companies have ended their endorsement deals with Lochte and he's going to lose millions of dollars. So I'd say that he's paying the price. Hopefully this story will just go away now.

 

[Stalfos]

Recent events show that you can get away with anything as long as you're a pretty good swimmer

Man, I gotta learn how to swim!

 

[Alienfish]

Man, I gotta learn how to swim!

I know but I need to practice more

Tbh all this is really stupid regardless of side.. and if you want to blow up and/or fake part of the events.. no.