If you didn’t know Ryan Lochte’s name before the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, then you certainly do now – even if you didn’t want to.
After taking over media headlines with 2016’s latest #WhitePrivilege scandal, the 12-time Olympic medalist turned to Instagram this morning to issue a formal apology for his actions in Brazil and the irresponsible activity that followed as he tried to escape his own crimes.
Lochte’s “remorseful” statement begins by saying, “I want to apologize for my behavior last weekend — for not being more careful and candid in how I described the events of that early morning and for my role in taking the focus away from the many athletes fulfilling their dreams of participating in the Olympics.”
Brazilian Police Recommend Ryan Lochte and James Feigen Be Indicted for False Report
He continues, “I waited to share these thoughts until it was confirmed that the legal situation was addressed and it was clear that my teammates would be arriving home safely. It’s traumatic to be out late with your friends in a foreign country – with a language barrier – and have a stranger point a gun at you and demand money to let you leave, but regardless of the behavior of anyone else that night, I should have been much more responsible in how I handled myself and for that I am sorry to my teammates, my fans, my fellow competitors, my sponsors, and the hosts of this great event.”
While Ryan’s apology is his attempt at making amends with Brazilian authorities, native fans and Olympic sports lovers, it shouldn’t be accepted or deemed as an apology at all. By saying “It’s traumatic to be out late with your friends in a foreign country – with a language barrier – and have a stranger point a gun at you and demand money to let you leave,” it sounds like Lochte is subliminally sticking to his robbery story. His “justfication” for his actions rather, should have read “I’m sorry I got caught. Thank you for allowing my friends to come home instead of placing them in a foreign jail. The end.”
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Take a look at Ryan Lochte’s full apology below and decide what you think of his sentimental words.