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This misbehavior must be punished

Americans had every reason to puff out our chests in pride at how our athletes performed during the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. At the same time, we are being forced by a few of them to hang our heads in shame.

Four U.S. swimmers, including 12-time Olympic medalist Ryan Lochte, spent a night after their events concluded partying in Rio. After returning to their lodgings, they reported they had been robbed at gunpoint by someone wearing a police uniform.

It wasn’t true, as Brazilian authorities learned quickly. After becoming intoxicated, the athletes took a cab and had it stop at a gas station so they could use the restroom. There, they engaged in vandalism that led armed security guards to confront them. Though some details of what happened remain unclear, that much is confirmed by surveillance video.

Lochte since has admitted he “over-exaggerated the story.” He insists he takes full responsibility for his actions.

In addition to being in hot water with the authorities in Brazil, the swimmers are in trouble with the U.S. Olympic Committee and USA Swimming. Lochte, who may have been the vandalism ringleader, has lost lucrative endorsement contracts.

Lochte’s claim of being robbed was never made to Brazilian police. He, and perhaps others, let the lie be leaked to the press.

Once it is determined which of the swimmers made the false claim, that person or persons should be punished severely.

Americans’ pride in what happened in Rio should not be tarnished by a mere slap on the wrist to those who misbehaved so seriously.

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