Likely trying to maintain some sense of credibility — the IOC did in fact lie when they initially released a statement claiming that U.S. Swimmer Ryan Lochte and three other teammates were not robbed at gunpoint in Rio.
We reported earlier via USA Today — that Lochte’s mother had confirmed that the swimmer and others were robbed at gunpoint after their taxi stopped for gas.
David Marsh, Lochte’s personal coach and the head women’s coach for the U.S. swim team, disputed Ileana Lochte’s comments and told USA TODAY Sports via text message that Lochte “was not held up” and was trying to figure out exactly what happened.
IOC spokesman Mark Adams said report of Lochte being held up at gunpoint was “absolutely not true.”
Adams said Sunday during briefing from Rio that his information about Lochte not being robbed at gunpoint came directly from the swimmer and the U.S. Olympic Committee.
It now appears that the USOC is done going along with protocol — releasing this statement that Lochte and company were stopped and robbed by armed men posing as the authorities.
BREAKING: Full USOC statement on Lochte & 3 US swimmers stopped by "individuals posing as armed police officers." pic.twitter.com/PbryVsf71g
— Peter Alexander (@PeterAlexander) August 14, 2016