The U.S. Olympic Committee has denied telling its sports federations that their athletes and officials should avoid going to Brazil this summer if they have concerns about the Zika virus.
Reuters reported Monday morning that USOC officials advised federation leaders on a conference call last month that those with fears about the mosquito-borne virus should stay home "if they don't feel comfortable going." The report cited two people who were on the call, naming USA Fencing president Donald Anthony as one of them.
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The USOC denied that implication in a statement released Monday afternoon by spokesman Patrick Sandusky, saying the discussions on the call applied only to employees and staff members, not athletes.