IOC/Rio 2016 on Lochte and co: "Kids will be kids."

Submitted by BoFlex on

“No apologizes from [Lochte] or other athletes are needed. We have to understand that these kids were trying to have fun. They came here, they represent their country to the best of their ability. They train for years. They competed under gigantic pressure. I understand they’re under investigation. I can’t go much further into the details, but let’s give these kids a break. Sometimes you take actions that you later regret. Lochte is one of the best swimmers of all times. They had fun, they made a mistake, life goes on.”

- Mario Andrada, Rio 2016 Director of Communication

Edit: Tweet embed

Official statement from IOC #Rio2016 spokesman Mario Andrada on #LochteGate. It's amazing. pic.twitter.com/4B03on17QL

— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) August 18, 2016

SysMark

August 18th, 2016 at 7:36 PM ^

Obviously not up to speed on that whole security camera thing which pretty much everyone over the age of 8 is aware of.

The one thing he did know was he better get out of there fast so give some credit for that.  Left his pals holding the bags, literally.

DrWolverine23

August 18th, 2016 at 8:39 PM ^

If it was Carmelo Anthony (age 32) and three members of the USA basketball team, I'm sure "kids will be kids" is what they would be saying.

The worst thing about this is Lochte has taken the spotlight off of athletes who worked their asses off the last 4 years. 

WolvinLA2

August 18th, 2016 at 7:26 PM ^

I actually agree with this. They got drunk and did dumb stuff, not harmful to anyone (slightly harmful to property) and then lied about it. That's not good behavior, but not exactly a huge deal.

Muttley

August 19th, 2016 at 12:27 PM ^

In traffic accidents, there is a notion of the party who had the last opportunity to avoid the situation turning into a crash.

In this case, that was Lochte.  If he had any brains (or a PR advisor), he would have realized that he was part of a $1 billion commercial for Brazil and kept his mouth shut (not gone to the press).

But he's a dumbass, and so he started the shitstorm.

I think Brazil would have been better served being magnanimous and letting it blow over as a one day story, but instead it became a one week story highlighting the seedy side of Brazil and overshadowing the athletic events as Lochte became the headline.

maizerayz

August 18th, 2016 at 9:41 PM ^

Despite all of Brazils problems, it was HUGE news around the world that fake cops pulled over Olympic swimmers and robbed them with a gun pointed at their head.

Brazilians have a right to be super pissed. You'd be pissed if some Saudis pulled the same shit in America.

LSAClassOf2000

August 18th, 2016 at 7:47 PM ^

You know, that picture kind of makes me think that if Link were Lochte, you would probably have to reconsider the benefits of killing Ganon. I mean, which one is worse, or indeed, does keeping both bring some balance to the Triforce Of Douchebag? It's kind of a tough call, I would think, but it would definitely change your gameplay. 

Or it could be that Lochte would forever be a room or two behind Phelps in the Water Temple, and Lochte would have to do it without the Longshot. 

csmhowitzer

August 19th, 2016 at 7:51 AM ^

This made me google "Gabby Douglas". I didn't know she was being ripped on for not doing as well and for having a poor attitude. I may be missing more of the story, but that's pretty low of people to rip on any olympian for that. 

rice4114

August 18th, 2016 at 10:28 PM ^

There is usually about a half dozen throwing cash at them like its cool. Who is turning them down exactly? And btw I think its a smart idea its like investing dollars to get back pennies.




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