RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) —  U.S swimmer Ryan Lochte has apologized for his behavior surrounding a late-night incident at a Rio de Janeiro gas station, saying he should have been more careful and candid about how he described what happened.

Lochte said in a lengthy post on social media Friday that he was apologizing for his role in taking the focus away from other Olympic athletes.

 

https://t.co/n82dZH2gfl pic.twitter.com/rGp1nmA94G

— Ryan Lochte (@RyanLochte) August 19, 2016

The 12-time gold medalist reiterated his view that a stranger pointed a gun at him and demanded money to let him leave.

But Lochte says he should have handled himself more responsibly.

Brazil police have said Lochte lied by saying he and three other swimmers were robbed. They vandalized a gas station bathroom and were confronted by security guards.

 

 

 

 

https://t.co/n82dZH2gfl pic.twitter.com/rGp1nmA94G

— Ryan Lochte (@RyanLochte) August 19, 2016