When Ryan Lochte apologized for his claims that he and three other American swimmers were robbed at gunpoint during a night out at the Rio Olympic Games, fans and critics were not in a forgiving mood. In fact, many were quick to dissect some of his words and phrasings, saying it didn’t appear as if the apology was sincere or even, in some respects, an apology at all.
If you haven’t read it yet, Lochte posted the full text of the apology on his Instagram. Below, some choice retorts from Twitter and Instagram.
“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.
“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.
“I am very proud to present my country in Olympic competition and this was a situation that could and should have been avoided.
“I accept responsibility for my role in this happening and have learned some valuable lessons.”
“I am grateful for my USA Swimming teammates and the USOC, and appreciate all of the efforts of the IOC, the Rio ’16 Host Committee,
“… and the people of Brazil who welcomed us to Rio and worked so hard to make sure that these Olympic Games provided a lifetime of great new memories.”
