Olympian Ryan Lochte has come under scrutiny. This results from his explanation of his actions in Brazil during the early morning hours of August 14.
Lochte told this story: he and three other swimmers were robbed as they returned from a party. Brazilian authorities say the American swimmers actually vandalized a gas station and then got into an altercation with security guards there.
The twelve time Olympic medalist lied about his actions. It is difficult to understand his reasons. This much we can understand: good, even esteemed people can fall into deceit and dishonesty.
I would point out here that our legal system is founded on concepts of honesty and transparency. Good people can be tempted to be dishonest when money and property are on the line. When this occurs, the example of Ryan Lochte is instructive.
The Washington Post reports on August 22nd that Lochte lost four commercial sponsors in response to the incident. Speedo, the swimwear company, stated this: “…we cannot condone behavior that is counter to the values this brand has long stood for.” Neither will our legal system condone this behavior.
by Patrick Gaffney
