(Photo: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports)
RIO DE JANEIRO — Two U.S. swimmers who were with Ryan Lochte the night of an alleged robbery were removed from a flight and detained at a Rio airport on Wednesday night as they tried to leave the country.
Jack Conger and Gunnar Bentz were taken off their flight departing for the United States by Brazilian authorities, USOC spokesman Patrick Sandusky said in a statement.
"Jack Conger and Gunnar Bentz were detained Wednesday night shortly before their flight was scheduled to depart from Rio," Sandusky said. "They were released by local authorities with the understanding that they would continue their discussions about the incident on Thursday. James Feigen is also communicating with local authorities and intends to make further statements regarding the incident on Thursday, as well. We will continue to provide updated information as it is appropriate."
Conger's and Bentz's flight was scheduled to leave at 9:10 p.m. local time. When reached by phone at 4 p.m., Bentz said he was at the airport and could not talk. "I have to go,'' he said