Lochte had role model

Before Olympic champion Ryan Lochte fades away into disgraced obscurity, can we forgive him? He really didn’t lie, he just misstated the truth. He over-exaggerated. He short-circuited. He was probably tired and sleep-deprived and simply misspoke. He conflated stories of previous experiences. He couldn’t recall clearly. It depends on what the definition of “is” is.

And he never asked anyone to lie, not a single time. In his admittedly alcohol-impaired mind, having a gun pointed at you by a man demanding money was certainly a robbery. So he got some details mixed up. It’s not like he confused a greeting ceremony for sniper fire.

If our current FBI or DOJ were to investigate, they would find no controlling legal authority or case that says Lochte was in any violation of law whatsoever. Sure, he was extremely careless. He probably made up the story for personal convenience. But this appears to be a simple case of youthful indiscretion. And he’s paid a heavy price in lost endorsements. Isn’t that punishment enough? It’s not like he was mishandling classified government secrets or anything.

Let it go, American. Come on, this wasn’t even about sex.

Matt Lyons

Spokane