As if most peoples’ opinions of Ryan Lochte weren’t already negative enough, this probably won’t help matters.
Lochte was interviewed by USA Today for a long feature, and in it he talked about the reception he’s had from his USA Swimming teammates since the infamous incident in Rio. Lochte complained that swimming icon Michael Phelps wasn’t really there for him when he needed it.
According to Lochte, the two had a text message conversation, but not the phone call he was hoping for.
“I think he texted me back saying, ‘Yeah, sure. I’m here to help,’ or something like that,” Lochte told USA Today. “But he didn’t call me. I was like, ‘Hey, can you please call me? Let me know, I need help.’ That never really happened.”
Lochte pointed out that Phelps has been through some lows such as his two DUIs, so he figured his longtime friend and teammate would be there for him during a bad time. But he unfortunately did not get what he wanted.
Lochte also says that the incident in Rio that generated international headlines has resulted in somewhat of a strained/distant relationship between him and his teammates, which he says he understands.
Complaining about what Phelps didn’t do for him is the last thing Lochte should be doing. He should take ownership of his actions and not try to shift any blame on others.
