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Ryan Lochte Just Signed His First Endorsement Deal Since the Rio Scandal

By:
Alexandra Mondalek
2 min read
- Harry How—Getty Images
Harry How—Getty Images

Ryan Lochte secured his first endorsement deal after the Rio Olympics and the now infamous "Lochtegate," in which the swimmer admitted he "overexaggerated" about being robbed at gunpoint after a night out in Brazil.

The 12-time Olympic medalist will be in ads for Pine Bros. cough drops that will appear both in print and online, ESPN reports. "We all make mistakes, but they're rarely given front-page scrutiny," said Rider McDowell, CEO of the privately held company. "He's a great guy who has done incredible work with charities. I'm confident that Pine Bros. fans will support our decision to give Ryan a second chance."

In the ads, Lochte will reportedly say that the cough drops are "forgiving on your throat". (Get it?) The Pine Bros. cough drops first went on sale in 1870 as "Pine Brothers Glycerine Tablets" and now come in cherry, honey, licorice and lemon lime flavors.

Pine Bros. confirmed the deal in a tweet on Thursday:

Lochte thanked Pine Bros. for the endorsement earlier in the day:

Read More: Unsolicited advice for Ryan Lochte

On the Monday after the Olympics ended, brands that had previously sponsored the athlete, including Speedo and Ralph Lauren, ended lucrative endorsement contracts, likely costing the swimmer millions.

Chances are, we'll be seeing a lot more of Lochte: USA Today reported that he has landed a spot on the 23rd season of ABC's Dancing with the Stars as well.

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