Ryan Lochte had a rocky TV debut Monday night during the season 23 premiere of "Dancing With the Stars," which included a mini-protest and an injury. Two men tried to tackle the Olympian swimmer but failed as security got to them first. However, despite dodging a bigger disaster, Lochte was not able to get away from the incident totally scathe-free.
According to his "DWTS" partner, Cheryl Burke, Lochte suffered a minor ankle injury. Burke reflected on the ordeal in a piece she wrote for People. Burke took the opportunity to express her dismay about what transpired. She went on to share how she consoled her partner after the incident and then defended the Olympian. It was later in the article that she mentioned about the injury which had been brought up when she continued practicing with Lochte.
She claimed, "We have a quickstep this week and Ryan did injure his ankle a little when the protester got tackled, so we'll have to see how our first rehearsal goes."
She did continue on a positive note by telling everyone that no one suffered any serious injury and that was something to be thankful for. She also hoped that "Dancing with the Stars" would continue to be a family show without incidents like this happening again,
Burke did not mention anything about Lochte being unable to perform on the show, although it is expected that this may become an obstacle for the couple during their practice. Lochte has neither confirmed nor given any information on the ankle injury. He only spoke of his disappointment about the incident.
According to ETOnline, the police released the protesters the following day, Tuesday, at 11 a.m. after being in custody overnight. The two men are charged with trespassing and are expected to appear in court on Oct. 4.
"Dancing With the Stars" is on its 23rd season and it currently airs every Monday night on ABC.
