Reaction to LochteGate: Down with Bro Culture, Double Standards and Lying to Mommy

Ryan Lochte maintains a stranger pointed a gun at him during a late-night incident at a Rio gas station, but dont expect any sympathy from the public the rest of it were bald-faced lies. His statement on Friday morning, posted across his various social media platforms, apologizes for his behaviour during the incident, for not being more careful and candid in how he described what happened and for taking the spotlight away from fellow Olympians.Brazilian police say Lochte and three of his teammates vandalized a gas station bathroom while they were intoxicated and were questioned by armed guards before they paid for the damage and left.

Lochte had previously claimed they had been robbed at gunpoint before he flew back to the United States. Read the full story here. Social media reactions have not been kind to the American swimmer, a six-time Olympic gold medal winner who embarrassed his country at the Games.

Some feel his actions are just another example of the perils of American bro culture.Reaction by Olympic officials highlighted the difference in treatment for Lochte versus other athletes facing criticism. Lets give these kids a break.

Sometimes you take actions that you take to regret, Rio Olympics spokesman Mario Andrada said on Aug. 18. They had fun, they made a mistake, its part of life, life goes on, lets go.

On Friday morning Andrada said Rio organizers accept and appreciate Lochtes apology. But giving Lochte that kind of latitude showed a double standard; officials were silent when American gymnast Gabby Douglas was chastised for not putting her hand on her heart during the U.S.

anthem or deemed as not showing enough enthusiasm for her Olympic teammates.Some suggested that Lochtes apology was merely an attempt to salvage his endorsement deals. But Japanese mattress manufacturer Airweave Inc.

, which is endorsed by Lochte, said it planned to support the swimmer. I respect the athletic performance of Ryan, and as long as he is a respectable athlete, he will remain the U.S.

ambassador for Airweave as long as our partnership agreement remains effective, the companys CEO Motokuni Takaoka told Bloomberg News. We are focused on supporting Team USA and our support to them will remain the same.At the end of the day, the whole situation could have been avoided if Lochte had followed one simple rule: never lie to your mother.