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

SpikeFan2016

August 18th, 2016 at 7:55 PM ^

This is ridiculous. 

 

20 year old Gabby Douglas doesn't put her hand over her heart and she's screamed at and shamed, and told to "smile more."

32 year old Ryan Lochte causes property damage, lies to police, lies to the media for attention and makes a drunken/high ass of himself and they get the "boys will be boys." 

Fuck that sexist and racist double standard bullshit. 

 

 

SpikeFan2016

August 18th, 2016 at 8:04 PM ^

That Hope Solo stuff isn't a double standard, it's just wrong. Huge difference.

 

Hope did something wrong and was punished. 

Gabby did nothing wrong and was punished. 

Ryan did something wrong and was not punished. 

 

There's a sexist double standard between both Ryan and Hope and Gabby and Ryan, the latter matters more because Hope still deserved to draw scorn for her ridiculous comments, but the standard exists the same way.

 

Not sure why you needed to qualify my statement if you say you agree. 

 

 

 

lilpenny1316

August 18th, 2016 at 8:45 PM ^

I almost forgot that people in 2012 and 2016 were giving her crap about her hair.  I'm sure the same people saying that she's unpatriotic for not putting her hand over her heart are the same ones saying Ryan and the other swimmers were boys being boys and Brazil deserves any negative spotlight for X number of reasons.

Wee-Bey Brice

August 18th, 2016 at 10:29 PM ^

Serious question, I've always wondered. 

Why are the anti-PC people always more upset at the PC people than they are at the ACTUAL issue? No sarcasm intended, btw, I've really wanted an answer to that for a long time. Pretending something doesn't exist doesn't make it go away just because you don't speak on it. 

youn2948

August 19th, 2016 at 10:53 AM ^

Is anyone giving a crap about what anyone says on social media as if it remotely matters.

I don't care what a meth head in Nebraska thinks about Lochte or Gabby Douglas.  The majority of social media is either hyper critical or self congratulating, "look at how special I am", posts anyway.

Rodriguesqe

August 18th, 2016 at 8:11 PM ^

Its in everyone's best interest that this blows over and moves on. But don't believe for a second that Brazil wants an admission and appology bad.

East German Judge

August 18th, 2016 at 9:18 PM ^

I certainly hope that sponsors shy away from this 32 year old lying sack of shit. One thing to lie and make up a story, not sure why, but then he kept doubling down on it.  

You are no Michael Phelps!

Hugh

August 18th, 2016 at 9:21 PM ^

If I remember correctly he was a PR embarrasment after the last Olympics. He may be 32 but he has the emotional maturity of a 2 year old. It is a pity that he got three other swimmers in trouble. 

gord

August 18th, 2016 at 10:09 PM ^

No need for an apology because they were in fact robbed by rent-a-cops.  If somoene points a gun at you and demands money that is called...wait for it...and armed robbery!  Peeing on a wall and ripping a poster is not hundreds of dollars worth of damages.  Two lawyers on CNN, Mark Geragos and Danny Cevallos, just said the same thing but it should be obvious to anyone without a law degree.

BoFan

August 19th, 2016 at 1:45 AM ^

NBC says the police are still investigating the extortion claim. But nothing will come of it since they already doctored the video, they released two swimmers back to the US after they made supporting statements and then this "James Feigen gave a revised statement to police Thursday night in the hopes of having his passport released as soon as possible."

kgh10

August 18th, 2016 at 10:38 PM ^

Oh boy did that quote hit a nerve with me. Since when is a 32 year old a kid? Must be nice...my brother in law and boyfriend are 32 and bust their ass for their careers, own homes, and take care of their aging parents. I'm sure many on this blog are the same. Let's call these privileged grown ups what they are: assholes, not kids. 

gord

August 18th, 2016 at 10:47 PM ^

What happened to the I Like Burgers guy who is in Rio and said this was all about them being embarrassed about going to a brothel?  That turned out to be BS but it was widely reported in their media.  Brazil is such a joke.