The United States Olympic Committee and USA Swimming today jointly announced disciplinary measures for four members of the 2016 U.S. Olympic Swimming Team. Due to violations of each organization’s code of conduct, Gunnar Bentz, Jack Conger, James Feigen and Ryan Lochte have agreed to serve suspensions and forfeit certain rewards and opportunities afforded to members of the U.S. Olympic Team. The following sanctions have been agreed upon:
Applicable to Ryan Lochte:
1.Suspended from domestic and international USA Swimming national team competitions for 10 months (through June 30, 2017), including the 2017 National Championships, which renders him ineligible for the 2017 FINA World Championships.
2.During the suspension, no monthly stipend from USA Swimming or the USOC.
3.During the suspension, no direct support or access to training centers or other facilities of the USOC.
4.Forfeits all USOC and USA Swimming medal funding for his gold medal at the 2016 Olympic Games.
5.Will perform 20 hours of community service.
6.Not permitted to join Team USA for its White House visit in connection with the Rio 2016 Games.
7.Not permitted to attend USA Swimming’s annual "Golden Goggles" event in 2016.
Applicable to Gunnar Bentz, Jack Conger and James Feigen:
1.Suspended from domestic and international USA Swimming national team competitions for four months (through Dec. 31, 2016).
2.During the suspension, no monthly stipend from USA Swimming or the USOC.
3.During the suspension, no direct support or access to training centers or other facilities of the USOC.
4.Not permitted to join Team USA for its White House visit in connection with the Rio 2016 Games.
5.Not permitted to attend USA Swimming’s annual "Golden Goggles" event in 2016.
Further applicable to Gunnar Bentz due to violating a USA Swimming Olympic Village curfew rule placed on athletes under the age of 21:
Will perform 10 hours of community service.
"As we have said previously, the behavior of these athletes was not acceptable. It unfairly maligned our hosts and diverted attention away from the historic achievements of Team USA," said USOC CEO Scott Blackmun. "Each of the athletes has accepted responsibility for his actions and accepted the appropriate sanctions. We look forward to focusing our energy on the Paralympic Games and the incredible men and women representing our country in Rio."
"During an otherwise extraordinary Olympic Games, a small group of athletes had lapses in judgement and conduct that are unacceptable and not consistent with our expectations. When Code of Conduct infractions occur, it’s our responsibility to take action that reflects the seriousness of what happened," USA Swimming Executive Director Chuck Wielgus said."Unfortunately, this storyline took attention away from the athletes who deserved it the most. These athletes took accountability for their mistakes and are committed to represent themselves and our country with the great character and distinction we expect."
The sanctions take effect immediately.
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