On Saturday, a report from News of the World published an alleged picture of Michael Phelps holding a bong (above) and smoking weed (or, "marijuana") and immediately made waves across the internet. Admittedly, the picture wasn't perfect and there was no guarantee that it was Phelps in the photo.
Until Phelps admitted Sunday that it was him holding the bong.
In a statement released to The Associated Press, the swimmer who won a record eight gold medals at the Beijing Games conceded the authenticity of the exclusive picture published Sunday by the tabloid News of the World.The nice thing is that -- unlike many steroid abusers -- Phelps has simply admitted that he got caught, even if it was a few months after the fact. That, in my mind, goes a fairly long way towards helping Phelps rehab a clearly damaged image.
Phelps said: "I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment. I'm 23 years old and despite the successes I've had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again."
Some folks have stated that the media's making too big a deal out of this; yet I don't think it can be overstated just how much Phelps might have cost himself in terms of endorsement money over the past few months.
Did You See That?
The field clears a fence during the New Season Handicap Steeplechase during the at Ludlow Racecourse on September 16, 2008 in Ludlow, England.
Emanuele Canonica of Italy helps his caddie in the rescue of a pigeon from the water around the 18th green during the first round of the Portugal Masters at the Oceanico Victoria Golf Course on October 16, 2008 in Vilamoura, Portugal.
A multiexposure image showing Britain's Andy Murray returning to Croatian Marin Cilic during a last sixteen tennis match at the Madrid Masters in Madrid on October 16, 2008. Andy Murray won 7-5, 7-6.
English football fans dressed in armours and tunics play in a friendly match against Belarus fans in Minsk on October 15, 2008 before the start of the Belarus vs. England 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier of European group 6 match.
Travis Brigley (R) of Hamburg fights with Matt Keith (L) of Ingolstadt during the DEL match between Hamburg Freezers and ERC Ingolstadt at the Color Line Arena on October 14, 2008 in Hamburg, Germany.
Russian Nikolay Davydenko returns a ball to US Robby Ginepri during a second round tennis match at the Masters in Madrid on October 15, 2008.
A golf ball which has been enveloped by the tree over many years is pictured during the pro-am for the Portugal Masters at the Oceanico Victoria Golf Course on October 15, 2008 in Vilamoura, Portugal.
Andy Murray of Great Britain plays football during his training session prior to his thrid round match tomorrow at the Madrid Masters tennis tournament at the Madrid Arena on October 15, 2008 in Madrid, Spain.
Samuel Peter from Nigeria gets a punch from Vitali Klitschko of Ukraine during their WBC heavyweight boxing world championship fight in Berlin, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008. Klitschko won the fight after round nine due to technical knock out.
Herbert Knosowski, AP
Japan's Kyoko Hamaguchi (lower) fights with China's Hong Yan (red) during the semi-final of the 72kg class of the Women's Wrestling World Championships in Tokyo on October 13, 2008. Hong defeated Hamaguchi and will face Bulgaria's Stanka Zlateva in the final.
Yoshikazu Tsuno, AFP/Getty Images
Comments (Page 1 of 73)
so your saying all people have "issues" because of a few people you know that smoke pot, are you actually that stupid or just young and inexperienced. That ridiculous logic is the same reason people are racist. For example ... someone hates an entire certain race because of a few people they have negative experiences with in that race. Its sad that you are this foolish.
At least he owned up to it. There are soooo many other celebrities that do stuff like this and dont get caught.And people still respect them and look up to them.Think about that before you start saying crap!!!
So he smoked some Ganja...Who gives a crap!
with greatness comes responsability
TO Michael-
And what is irresponsible about smoking some weed at a party? There is NO difference between that and drinking a beer after dinner.
So long as weed and alcohol are used in moderation, there is absolutely nothing wrong with it.
PLENTY of athletes ENDORSE alcohol. Michael Phelps should be allowed to smoke weed at a party.
"There is NO difference between that and drinking a beer after dinner. And what is irresponsible about smoking some weed at a party?"
TO timidpixi1-
ARE YOU KIDDING? Guess what buddy, pot is illegal. And for Michael Phelps the cost of youthful indescretion is likely millions of dollars. Michael's saving grace is that while you were a nobody at the frat party smoking a 'lil ganja, he was busting his ass training.
Yes, djkqport. What a disappointment! I mean, hitting the pipe and driving under the influence totally negates the dedication and drive required to win those eight gold medals, to say nothing of the medals themselves. His mother must be kicking herself for bringing this waste of skin into the world.
Ok, leelee you have a point, except that if you want to restrict access to the health care system for those who practice unhealthy behaviors then you are also going to have to restrict it for people who gobble down hundreds of unhealthy calories each day. Anyone 75 lbs. overweight costs the health care system just as much as someone who smokes and what about those people who think they shouldn't have to wear a helmet on a motocycle or buckle their seat belts.
We all need to remember that he is just a 23 year old kid. He is just being that. I am sure he could be doing much worse. Get off his back.
Cheriebalt@aol.com
ALioness:
Not illegal where I live. I live in Massachusetts, it's decriminalized here now.
So basically your argument is that it's bad ONLY because it's illegal? So you admit that it's illegal for no good reason? Nice to know that you care so little about your liberty that you are able to accept something is wrong for NO REASON other than it is illegal. Guess what, every single state that had pro marijuana initiatives on the ballot this year passed them. Every poll shows that most Americans agree with decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana. DOn't believe me, look it up! In any given poll, 70-100 million Americans admit to having smoked pot. If that many ADMIT it you know the real number DOING it is more than double. It's not just losers in their parents basements, you're just so stupid you believe that propaganda. It's doctors, lawyers, teachers, and olympic athletes. I'm a nurse and my husband is a veteran and we both smoke!! You are so sheltered you don't even know the reality of your own country. No one under 65 who isn't some sanctimonious loser cares about weed.
timidpixi1:
Just because it's decriminalized does not make it legal. Up to an ounce is still illegal, but you are only fined, rather than arrested. It's illegal in the same sense as driving 35 in a school zone is illegal.
Not really taking sides. Just pointing out that weed is not legal in Massachusetts.
what matters is he is a role model and alot of people and kids look up to him and want to be just like him. that's what's wrong with it.
Puff puff give swimmer dude!!
Unfortunately, the kids that look up to him will care very much. They won't take his age and accomplishments into consideration, only that this accomplished young talent was smoking ganja...
hey dud, I agree. If people only had a clue of the people who smoke pot! I'm thinking right now would be the time to legalize,give "their" rip off taxes to "them", and maybe put a dent in the growing national debt and help pay for the "no win" war.
Let me get this straight! People are making a big deal about a swimmer smoking some pot? Yet we have two or more presidents that have admitted to doing the same, and that is no big deal. Can anyone tell me why it's OK for presidents, and not for swimmers?????????????????
You idiot! you clearly aren't a parent. I am a parent of a young high level athlete and just yesterday he said to me that I would be surprised by how many people use drugs/alcohol. I told him I wouldn't be surprised but over the long haul the most successful people make better choices. Then we got home and he saw the news about Phelps! Whether Phelps likes it or not was a role model with emphasis on WAS! He is now a loser and your opinion is sick!!!
timidpixi1 - please get educated. Pot is not legal in Massachusetts. You must be refering to the recent elections when we (we = the residents of Massachusetts) voted yes to having a citation (ticket) given for a certain amount of pot on you instead of being arrested. That does NOT make pot legal, it makes the consequences for a small amount a little lighter.
If we cut-off support for "everyone" who has participated in some sort of "illegal" behavior, we would be standing alone and could, probably, not even support ourselves. No hypocrites please. HE WHO IS WITHOUT SIN, CAST THE FIRST STONE. And, I want to meet this immaculate First!
I'm not sure why people expect someone who possesses some talent to be role models for their kids. How about being their role model YOURSELF.