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The IOC Responds to the Ryan Lochte Mess in Rio

At the International Olympic Committee's daily press briefing on Thursday, the first question was where the IOC stood on the Ryan Lochte case.

At the International Olympic Committee's daily press briefing on Thursday, the first question was where the IOC stood on the Ryan Lochte case.

Lochte, a 12-time Olympic medalist, and three other American swimmers—Jimmy Feigen, Gunnar Bentz, and Jack Conger—claim to have been robbed at gunpoint early Sunday morning in Rio. The claims have since been called into question.

"Broadly, we support the authorities here," said IOC spokesman Mark Adams, and deferred further questions to the USOC. "I wouldn't comment on the specific actions without knowing the details of it," he added.

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Given other alleged security incidents, Adams was asked whether it might be better to prohibit athletes from traveling outside the Athlete Village.

Again, Adams deferred, saying it was up to the national Olympic Committees to advise their teams but "it wouldn't be for me to make a ban. Stopping people from leaving the village would be crazy," he said.

Rio 2016 spokesman Mario Andrada agreed. "I live in Rio, my kids live in Rio, we go everywhere in the city. I think several athletes left the village and come back without any incident."

So when Andrada he heard the swimmers' initial account, he apologized.

"We were shocked when they reported the robbery," Andrada said. "I did not regret having apologized.

"I think we need to conclude the investigation before we can make an assessment on the overall security, especially for some of the athletes."

And if the facts contradict the initial story, Andrada said he would not expect an apology in return.

"We need to understand that these kids were trying to have fun. They came here, they represented their country to the best of their ability, they trained four years, they competed under gigantic pressure.

"I understand that this issue is under investigation. I cannot go much further into the details. But you know, let's give these kids a break. Sometimes you take actions that you take to regret. They are magnificent athletes. Lochte is one of the best swimmers of all time. They made a mistake, it's part of life, life goes on, that's all."