Lopez Lomong says Alberto Salazar apologized for last weekend’s confrontation

Another one of the controversies from last weekend’s 2013 USA Indoor Track & Field Championships appears to have been resolved.

In an interview with Ken Goe of The Oregonian, Lopez Lomong, winner in the 1,500 meters and fourth-place finisher in the 3,000 meters, said he’s received an apology from Alberto Salazar. The legendary running coach berated Lomong during the 3,000 meters, accusing him of bumping Galen Rupp (Rupp trains under Salazar). However, it looks like the two have now settled their differences:

"Q: There have been published reports about Alberto Salazar yelling at you on Saturday. Are the reports accurate? A: Emotions were running very high after both of the 3,000m races and some things may have been said and may have happened that were driven by passion rather than reason.  I know how invested coaches can be and sometimes that can spill over in unfortunate ways. Q: It’s my understanding that Salazar has apologized. Did he make his apology by phone or email or in person? A: Coach Salazar and I spoke this morning on the phone and we have put the events that happened on Saturday behind us. I am honored to be representing the USA in Poland and I know that we have put a great team together to chase after medals! Q: How satisfied are you with the apology? A: I completely accept his sincere apology. I am moving forward with a clean slate."

The Lomong-Salazar incident wasn’t the only black eye to mar the championships. There was the disqualification, prompted by Salazar’s complaints, of women’s 3,000 meters winner Gabe Grunewald, who was later, after public outcry, reinstated as the champion. There was also the controversial disqualification of Andrew Bumbalough, who was penalized for interfering with Rupp in the 3,000 despite the video evidence showing he did not bump Rupp.

[Source: Oregon Live]