Our Viewpoint

This week, Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte was banned from competition for more than a year after an investagtion by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. A photo on social media showed Lochte getting an injection of vitamins.

The substance Lochte was taking wasn’t illegal, but the amount was. At a press conference Monday, Lochte accepted a 14-month suspension and took responsibility for the incident . “As soon as you get to a certain point or level, in any kind of sport career, you’re always going to have an eye on you,” Lochte said. “I think I’ve learned it the hard way.”

This isn’t the first time Lochte has gotten negative attention in the media. After the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Lochte was among a group of swimmers involved in an incident at a gas station. While he was not charged with any criminal activity, it still damaged his reputation.

Lochte isn’t the first athlete to make a mistake that affects his reputation and his career. In 2009 when Tiger Woods was all over the media for his infidelity, parents had to have tough conversations with their children. It was hard to avoid the topics, and not just for golf fans.

Lochte is hopeful that he’ll compete well in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. We’re hopeful that he and other athletes will remember there are a lot of kids who look up to them. When you choose a career that puts you in the spotlight, the fame and recognition comes with a deeper responsibility to be a good role model and set a good example for those around you and those who follow you.