Christine Brennan, and Josh Peter

USA TODAY

RIO DE JANEIRO — Two U.S. swimmers who were with Ryan Lochte the night of an alleged robbery were removed from a flight and detained at a Rio airport on Wednesday night as they tried to leave the country.

Jack Conger and Gunnar Bentz were taken off their flight departing for the United States by Brazilian authorities, USOC spokesman Patrick Sandusky said in a statement.

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

Conger's and Bentz's flight was scheduled to leave at 9:10 p.m. local time. When reached by phone at 4 p.m., Bentz said he was at the airport and could not talk. "I have to go,'' he said.

NBC: Ryan Lochte sticks to robbery story, tweaks details

Lochte, Bentz, Conger and Jimmy Feigen said they were robbed at gunpoint early Sunday morning after leaving a party at France House.

A judge ruled earlier Wednesday that Lochte and Feigen were to turn over their passports and remain in Brazil. Lochte, though, is already home in the United States.

Judge Keyla Blank said she based her ruling on inconsistencies in the testimony of Lochte and Feigen.

U.S. swimmer Jimmy Feigen says he's safe, wants to get out of Brazil

Feigen is in Rio and said he's cooperating with officials. "I’m just trying to give Brazil what they need or what they want and get out of here,'' Feigen told USA TODAY Sports during a telephone interview Wednesday night. "It’s a hassle. But I’m safe, everything’s fine.''

Lochte said he initially did not tell the USOC that he and the other three swimmers were victims of a robbery early Sunday morning "because we were afraid we'd get in trouble."

In an email to USA TODAY Sports, U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby said the agency is ready to aid Conger and Bentz.

“We have seen media reports that two U.S. citizen athletes were detained,'' Kirby said. "We stand ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance."

But Kirby said he could not provide further information.

"Due to privacy considerations, we do not have any further information to offer,'' he wrote. "We refer you to Brazilian authorities for more information about this case.”