Russian Doping Scandal Clouds the Waters in Tokyo

TOKYO — Ryan Murphy didn’t really want to go there. Tried to stop short. Then went at least halfway there anyway.

After being beaten in both backstrokes by Russian rivals, the American was asked moments after taking silver in the 200-meter race in the mixed zone about that nation’s sketchy pseudo-presence in these Olympic Games. Implicit in the question was Russia’s direct impact on him, as the reigning champion in both the 100 and 200.

“When I’m asked a question like that, I’ve got about like 15 thoughts—and 13 of them would get me into a lot of trouble,” Murphy said. “It is what it is. I try not to get caught up in that. It is a huge mental drain on me to go throughout the year knowing that…