U.S. swimmers pulled off flight, held in Rio in connection to Lochte probe

Gunnar Bentz and Jack Conger, two U.S. swimmers who say they were with Ryan Lochte when he was allegedly robbed at gunpoint, were taken off their flights out of Rio on Wednesday as authorities continue to investigate the incident.

Police haven't found evidence to support Lochte's widely publicized assertion that he and his teammates were victims of an armed robbery while returning to the Olympic Village early Sunday morning.

Bentz and Conger met with Brazilian authorities Wednesday night to discuss the investigation into the incident, and those talks will continue Thursday, said Patrick Sandusky, a spokesperson for the U.S. Olympic Committee. According to the USOC statement:

Jack Conger and Gunnar Bentz were detained Wednesday night shortly before their flight was scheduled to depart from Rio. 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.

Sergio Viegas, an attorney for Conger and Bentz, told The Associated Press that they would not be allowed to leave Brazil until they had finished speaking to authorities.

Lochte and Feigen were ordered to remain in Rio earlier Wednesday, but the former had already returned to the United States. Feigen remains in Rio and is cooperating with authorities.

"I’m just trying to give Brazil what they need or what they want and get out of here,'' Feigen told USA Today during a telephone interview Wednesday night. "It’s a hassle. But I’m safe, everything’s fine."

A Brazilian judge determined there were discrepancies between the statements Lochte and Feigen initially gave to authorities. Lochte spoke with NBC's Matt Lauer by phone Wednesday, and some details in his story appeared to have changed.

According to Lauer, Lochte said the incident occurred at a gas station after the swimmers had asked to stop to use the bathroom. When they went back to the taxi, the driver didn't respond to the swimmers' request to leave, and then the alleged robbery took place. Lochte originally stated the taxi was pulled over by robbers posing as police.

Lochte also indicated a gun was "pointed in my direction," rather than having it pointed directly at his head, as he relayed in his initial story.