Jack Conger and Gunnar Bentz, two of Ryan Lochte’s swimming teammates at the Rio Olympics, were removed from their U.S.-bound flight by Brazilian authorities on Wednesday, August 17. According to the Associated Press, United States Olympic Committee spokesman Patrick Sandusky confirmed that the two athletes, who along with Lochte claim to have been robbed at gunpoint in Rio, were detained, but had no other details.
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The news comes hours after Judge Keyla Blank ordered Lochte and fellow swimmer Jimmy Feigen’s passports be seized and for the swimmers to remain in the country as authorities investigate their claims.
Ryan Lochte of the United States attends a press conference in the Main Press Center on Day 7 of the Rio Olympics on August 12, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Matt Hazlett/Getty Images
The four initially told authorities that as they were returning to the Olympic Village in a taxi after a party early Sunday morning, individuals who posed as armed officers pulled their vehicle over and robbed the swimmers.
Lochte’s dad, Steve, told the AP that his son, who is a 12-time medalist, arrived back in the United States earlier Tuesday.
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Gunnar Bentz and Jack Conger Tom Pennington/Getty Images; AP Photo/Eric Gay
"I'm just happy he's safe," the elder Lochte said. "It was an unfortunate experience for him and the other three. I don't know what all the controversy is. They were basically taken out of the taxi and robbed. The main thing is he's very lucky that he's safe and that all they got was his cash and wallet."
Ryan’s lawyer, Jeff Ostrow, however, told TMZ that they’re unaware of the warrant for Lotche’s passport.
“I have no information from Brazilian authorities that they want his passport,” Ostrow told the site on Wednesday. “I’m shocked to hear that they would go to such measures in an effort to further investigate the incident as he has been nothing but cooperative with authorities, including sitting for a full interview with the Tourist Police, U.S. State Department, USOC Security, FBI, and anyone else that requested to be present."
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