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Ryan Lochte Lands an Endorsement Deal With a Product ‘That Can Get You Out of a Bad Situation'

Company says Lochte "is and will likely be the best swimmer this country has produced"

Ryan Lochte has officially landed his second post-scandal endorsement deal.

The Olympic swimmer and recently announced "Dancing With the Stars" competitor has teamed up with Robocopp, a company that makes personal security devices. He demonstrated how to use the device in a video posted to Instagram, saying, "I've been traveling a lot lately. We all like to have fun, but it's a good idea to stay safe. I don't go anywhere without Robocopp."

"It's this tiny device — all you do is pull the pin," he said, showing how in the clip, "and it releases a startling alarm that can get you out of a bad situation."

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Robocopp confirmed the endorsement deal to NBC News, with spokeswoman Jill Tuner saying the company chose to sign Lochte "because he is and will likely be the best swimmer this country has produced." 

Lochte is a 12-time Olympic medalist. His teammate Michael Phelps, who just retired after the Rio Games, is a 28-time Olympic medalist. 

Per NBC News, Turner declined to comment when asked of the decision to partner with the athlete was a result of the incident that took place at a Rio gas station. 

Lochte has apologized after initially saying that he and three swimming teammates were pulled over and robbed in Rio. Video showed the athletes in a confrontation with an armed security guard at a gas station and local police have recommended he be charged in connection with the case.

Other sponsors including Speedo USA and Ralph Lauren have since dropped him. 

But last week Lochte scored an endorsement deal from Pine Bros. Softish Cough Drops.

In a press release, the company's CEO Rider McDowell "asked the public to be a little more understanding — even forgiving — of the young American swimmer.

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"We all make mistakes, but they're rarely given front-page scrutiny," McDowell said in a statement. "He's a great guy who has done in credible work with charities. I'm confident that Pine Bros. fans will support our decision to give Ryan a second chance."

Lochte released a statement of his own via Instagram, writing, "Thanks to all the folks at pine bros. for your confidence in me. I look forward to making you proud."

--Reporting by Roxana Salcedo

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