Back Porch FanHouse http://backporch.fanhouse.com Back Porch FanHouse http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/media/feedlogo.gif Back Porch FanHouse http://backporch.fanhouse.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Japanese Swimming Federation Goes Steinbrenner On Their Athleteshttp://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/10/22/japanese-swimming-federation-goes-steinbrenner-on-their-athletes/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/10/22/japanese-swimming-federation-goes-steinbrenner-on-their-athletes/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/10/22/japanese-swimming-federation-goes-steinbrenner-on-their-athletes/#commentsFiled under:

Remember those days when you'd get out of the pool after a refreshing swim, lay back and just want to paint your fingernails? Well, if you're on the Japanese National Swim Team, that ain't happening, along with a bunch of other ridiculous rules that makes swimming look more like joining the military.

Apparently, the Michael Phelps smoking pot thing has freaked out the Japanese, and they are taking the "overly involved parental role," banning dyed hair, earrings and excessive fingernail painting, whatever that means. And, of course, they're being stricter on pot, naturally.
"We have had many recent controversies (in Japan) with marijuana in sport and at universities, and this is about swimming taking a stand on its own initiative."

The JSF's stringent new plan has been written into its charter following an executive board meeting on Tuesday and swimmers will have to sign a letter of oath.

Rule-breakers face being booted out of the team and sent home in disgrace, a suspension of up to five years or even a lifetime ban.
Wow, talk about fun! Taking a stand on smoking weed is one thing, but forcing these people to walk around like Speedo'd lemmings is a whole other. Have you been to Japan? This is basically the epicenter of weird outfits, teen originality and fashion. Telling these kids to dress the part is like telling a Texas teenager to put down that double cheeseburger in place of a Tuna Salad. Good luck with that battle.

Japanese Swimming Federation Goes Steinbrenner On Their Athletes originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Shane BaconThu, 22 Oct 2009 16:30:00 EST Michael Phelps Has to Watch for Pranks Around the US Swim Teamhttp://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/08/11/michael-phelps-has-to-watch-for-pranks-around-the-us-swim-team/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/08/11/michael-phelps-has-to-watch-for-pranks-around-the-us-swim-team/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/08/11/michael-phelps-has-to-watch-for-pranks-around-the-us-swim-team/#commentsFiled under:

Elie Seckbach, the Embedded Correspondent, brings his exclusive video reporting to FanHouse. Check back regularly for more videos.

The great white shark from Baltimore, Michael Phelps, collects gold medals -- eight at the most recent Olympics, five at the world championships. In fact, he has just become the first swimmer in history to complete 100M butterfly in under 50 seconds (49.82 seconds). You would think that nothing could rattle him, but, as you'll hear from Cullen Jones and Garrett Weber-Gale, when Phelps is around his US Swim team he does not sleep well.

Check out the video after the jump.

Michael Phelps Has to Watch for Pranks Around the US Swim Team originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 07:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>cullen jonesCullenJonesGarrett Weber-GaleGarrettWeber-galemichael phelpsMichaelPhelpsElie SeckbachTue, 11 Aug 2009 07:45:00 EST Unfortunate Bathing Suit Mishap Puts Swimmer in Tearshttp://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/07/02/unfortunate-bathing-suit-mishap-puts-swimmer-in-tears/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/07/02/unfortunate-bathing-suit-mishap-puts-swimmer-in-tears/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/07/02/unfortunate-bathing-suit-mishap-puts-swimmer-in-tears/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Jaked J01 swimsuit was temporarily banned by FINA (the International Swimming Federation) earlier this year because it supposedly gave swimmers an unfair competitive advantage. Recently, it's been the subject of talk of an entirely different sort, as an ill-located tear in the suit forced Italian Olympic swimmer Flavia Zoccari to sit out of a championship race.

At the Mediterranean Games on Wednesday, Zoccari (right) was forced to stand down from competition after the back hinge of the bathing suit tore, leaving a large portion of Zoccari's backside exposed.

Jaked, the manufacturers of the suit, boast that the J01 is "more than skin," but in Zoccari's case all it did was show more skin.

Zoccari, who was flooded with tears of embarrassment after the mishap, later apologized for the incident.

Unfortunate Bathing Suit Mishap Puts Swimmer in Tears originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:07:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Tom MantzouranisThu, 02 Jul 2009 12:07:00 EST Phelps Wins 400 Free at Santa Clarahttp://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/06/13/phelps-wins-400-free-at-santa-clara/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/06/13/phelps-wins-400-free-at-santa-clara/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/06/13/phelps-wins-400-free-at-santa-clara/#commentsFiled under:

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) -- Michael Phelps held off a late charge by his rivals to win the 400-meter freestyle Saturday at the Santa Clara International Grand Prix.

Phelps cruised to an early lead, but he had to dig in over the final 100 meters to win in 3 minutes, 48.05 seconds under sunny, windy conditions at the outdoor pool.

It was his second victory in as many races.

Ryan Cochrane of Canada pushed Phelps in the closing meters only to settle for second in 3:48.40. Robert Hurley of Australia was third in 3:48.49.

Phelps has rarely swum the event over the years, and he didn't advance to the 400 free final at the 2005 world championships in Montreal, a failure that still bothers him.

Wearing a long black body suit, Phelps swam in lane 7 after qualifying fourth-fastest in the morning. The 14-time Olympic gold medalist owned an easy lead until the last two laps.

That's when the chase was on.

Cochrane, who won a bronze medal in the 1,500 free in Beijing, came edging up on Phelps, who was breathing on his right and didn't see the Canadian on his left.

But the athlete announced as the greatest swimmer in history didn't let go. He got to the wall 0.35 seconds ahead of Cochrane.

Phelps rested on the yellow lane line as the nearly full grandstand exploded in cheers. Later, with his suit peeled down to his hips, he strolled to the podium to accept his winner's medal trailed by two security guards.

When it was announced Phelps would sign autographs after his warm down, a long line of adults and kids quickly formed and snaked its way nearly halfway down the grandstand.

Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe swam to a dominating victory in the 400 individual medley, winning by 3.87 seconds over rising American teenager Dagny Knutson.

Coventry's time of 4:32.15 lowered last year's meet record of 4:36.75 set by 16-year-old Olympian Elizabeth Beisel, who finished third this year. Coventry earned $100 for the record. Knutson, a 17-year-old from Minot, N.D., also went under the old meet record, clocking 4:36.02.

Those three beat Olympic champion Stephanie Rice of Australia, who finished fourth, well off her world record of 4:29.45 set in Beijing.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

Phelps Wins 400 Free at Santa Clara originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Sat, 13 Jun 2009 22:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>michael phelpsFanHouse NewswireSat, 13 Jun 2009 22:20:00 EST U.S. Olympians: Michael Phelps, Manny Ramirez Got Off Easyhttp://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/06/07/u-s-olympians-michael-phelps-manny-ramirez-got-off-easy/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/06/07/u-s-olympians-michael-phelps-manny-ramirez-got-off-easy/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/06/07/u-s-olympians-michael-phelps-manny-ramirez-got-off-easy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Elie Seckbach, the Embedded Correspondent, brings his exclusive video reporting to FanHouse. Check back regularly for more videos.

Track and field star James Carter, a member of two U.S. Olympic teams, has very strong opinions about pro athletes who get busted for substance abuse or have their pictures taken with bongs.

In this video we talk to Carter about his thoughts on the subject. We also hear from track legend Maurice Greene, who tells us what he thinks about Manny Ramirez, while Olympic gold medal winner Dee Dee Trotter tells us who her idol is and why baseball will never change its policy when it comes to substance abuse.

Check out the video after the jump.

U.S. Olympians: Michael Phelps, Manny Ramirez Got Off Easy originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Sun, 07 Jun 2009 20:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Dee Dee Trotterdeedee trotterDeedeeTrotterJames CarterJamesCartermanny ramirezMannyRamirezmaurice greeneMauriceGreenemichael phelpsMichaelPhelpsElie SeckbachSun, 07 Jun 2009 20:10:00 EST Ageless Torres Sets US Record at 42http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/05/22/ageless-torres-sets-us-record-at-42/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/05/22/ageless-torres-sets-us-record-at-42/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/05/22/ageless-torres-sets-us-record-at-42/#commentsFiled under:

Dara Torres, the 42-year-old swimmer who won three silver medals in the Beijing Olympics last summer, is back at it again. Despite squaring off against people sometimes half her age, she continues to dazzle. The latest? She took down Jenny Thompson's six-year-old record in the women's 50-meter butterfly.

This record was achieved in a senior circuit event, so the competition may not have been quite as stiff, but her time was still good enough for the United States record. Even more impressive for Torres, via her own Twitter page, is that she hadn't swam the butterfly since the 2000 Olympics. At all (again, according to her).
"Ok, this is too crazy but I just broke the American Record in the 50 fly this am! Haven't swum a lick of fly since the 2000 Olympics!!"
Once a world-class athlete, always a world-class athlete, huh? Torre just continues to be an inspiration to aging athletes everywhere. Though it doesn't seem likely, we can't exactly count Torres out for the 2012 London Games -- especially since she's acknowledged it's possible.

Hat-tip: Game On

Dara Torres Photos

    Dara Torres promotes her book "Age is Just a Number" at Bookends Bookstore on April 8, 2009 in Ridgewood, New Jersey..Dara Torres Signs Copies Of Her Book "Age Is Just A Number" - April 8, 2009.Bookends Bookstore.Ridgewood, NJ United States.April 8, 2009.Photo by Bobby Bank/WireImage.com..To license this image (57159505), contact WireImage.com

    WireImage.com

    AUSTIN, TX - MARCH 05: Dara Torres after winning the Women's 50 LC Meter Freestyle during day one of the 2009 USA Swimming Austin Grand Prix on March 5, 2009 at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

    Getty Images

    AUSTIN, TX - MARCH 05: Dara Torres swims in the Women's 50 yard Freestyle preliminaries during day one of the 2009 USA Swimming Austin Grand Prix on March 5, 2009 at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

    Getty Images

    NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 16: United States Olympic swimmer Dara Torres skakes hands with Jose Molina #26 of the New York Yankees after throwing out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the game against the Chicago White Sox on September 16, 2008 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

    Getty Images

    NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 16: United States Olympic swimmer Dara Torres throws out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the game between the New York Yankees and the Chicago White Sox on September 16, 2008 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

    Getty Images

    NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 16: United States Olympic swimmer Dara Torres shakes hands with Andy Pettitte #46 of the New York Yankees before throwing out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the game against the Chicago White Sox on September 16, 2008 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

    Getty Images

    BEIJING - AUGUST 17: Dara Torres of the United States arrives for the Speedo Athletes party at Wish on August 17, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Getty Images for Speedo)

    Getty Images

    BEIJING - AUGUST 17: Dara Torres of the United States arrives for the Speedo Athletes party at Wish on August 17, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Getty Images for Speedo)

    Getty Images

    BEIJING - AUGUST 17: Dara Torres of the United States arrives for the Speedo Athletes party at Wish on August 17, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Getty Images for Speedo)

    Getty Images

    BEIJING - AUGUST 17: (L-R) Dara Torres, Rebecca Soni, Natalie Coughlin and Christine Magnuson of the United States show off their silver medals in the Women's 50m Freestyle final held at the National Aquatics Centre during Day 9 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 17, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

    Getty Images

Ageless Torres Sets US Record at 42 originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Fri, 22 May 2009 15:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>dara torresDaraTorresjenny thompsonJennyThompsonMatt SnyderFri, 22 May 2009 15:00:00 EST Are We Supposed to Hate Phelps?http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/05/12/are-we-supposed-to-hate-phelps/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/05/12/are-we-supposed-to-hate-phelps/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/05/12/are-we-supposed-to-hate-phelps/#commentsFiled under: ,

In August of 2008, one man completely took over our country. But it wasn't any of the candidates running for the upcoming presidential office, or some sort of philanthropist making waves on another front. It was a swimmer.

If you were an American and you had a television, your evenings were spent watching Michael Phelps chase history. LeBron James and a lot of the USA Olympic team would head over to the National Aquatic Center to watch him compete. He was, for a short period of time, our hero.

That was short lived. After the Olympics, Phelps' reputation hit this skids. He was videoed drinking a Corona at a Ravens game. He made enormous news with his bong photos and just recently has been targeted in some sexual threesome scandal.

So, my question is this: Are we supposed to hate Michael Phelps because of these incidents?

Let me first bring you this scenario. Everyone has something they are better than most at. It might be painting or singing or horseback riding or swimming. You, sitting at your desk job, have a talent that is probably better than most people sitting around you in the office. So, imagine you're exceptional at this. You've trained long and hard for years and years and people have said you might actually have a shot at showcasing this talent. You're paintings might go up the Tate Modern. Your latest demo is being seriously considered for a contract. You could ride in the Kentucky Derby.

Now, consider this. Something you've worked so hard at all your life is finally being appreciated; not by your parents or your friends, but the entire world. Phelps was the most famous person in the world for two weeks in August. He made everyone giddy to watch swimming (well, everyone except Mark Spitz). Is that not enough? The guy got to a level at something that we would wish to be at our respective talents. With me, it would be winning the Masters. With my friend Kevin, it might be hitting a jumper to win the NBA Championship. With others, it might be killing it on American Idol.

On top of all that, he's 23. He is 23 and he smoked pot and had sex. And he, if the reports are true, had sex with more than one woman at the same time. Is this news? We are supposed to dog him for this? Sure, drugs aren't good, but you name me a famous person in this world and I'm sure I can find some dirt on them in the past. You can find dirt on anyone.

My point is I just think that we are treating this kid the wrong way. He seems a little socially awkward, the kind of kid that without all the hoopla might just be another dork who might be waiting in line to see the new "Wolverine" movie. He excelled in something that we all loved for a bit and now is paying the consequences for enjoying his success. Should he smoke pot and get photographed doing it? Absolutely not. But should he have to deal with women admitting to some website that her and a friend had a threesome with him? I don't think so.

Our media world now is as critical as ever. Any and all websites will print any and all things to get a few page views and a little exposure. Michael Phelps is probably the career case to show how much this sucks.

Maybe it's time we give the champion a break.

Are We Supposed to Hate Phelps? originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Tue, 12 May 2009 12:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Shane BaconTue, 12 May 2009 12:30:00 EST Dara Torres: 'Age Is Just a Number'http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/04/09/dara-torres-age-is-just-a-number/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/04/09/dara-torres-age-is-just-a-number/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/04/09/dara-torres-age-is-just-a-number/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Dara Torres was a worldwide story of hope and success during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, winning medals in the world's most important (some say) sporting event at the absolutely ridiculous age of 41. But, as she is detailing in her new book, "Age Is Just a Number," she did all this while being a mother too.

That's not to say that Torres is focusing on herself in the book though -- her goal is to prove to mothers and, presumably, anyone else, that age is not a deterrent for success. At least that's the impression she gave in a recent interview with Mom Logic.
She writes in her new book, "Age is Just a Number," that after having a baby, the constant waking up actually gave her a competitive edge in swimming. Torres believes overcoming odds gives you the strength and energy to reach your goals. Momlogic talked to the supermom about her life, family ... and that fab bod!
Throughout the interview, Torres dishes on advice for women dealing with success, ranging from how to lose baby fat all the way to managing a relationship with a child while being a professional athlete unable to spend a lot of time with said offspring.

And I'll be honest here -- this type of interview isn't really ever my cup of tea, by any stretch of the imagination. (I'm neither a mom, an Olympic swimmer nor an individual seeking to be one of those things, after all.) But the truth is, Torres is a fascinating story, and regardless of the fact that her situation in no way reflects mine, I'm still interested in hearing what she has to say. Because I think it's no stretch whatsoever to state that all of us would like to achieve the same level of success as Torres when we're

Dara Torres: 'Age Is Just a Number' originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 02:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Dara TorresDaraTorresWill BrinsonThu, 09 Apr 2009 02:00:00 EST Gold Medalist Jason Lezak May Quit Swimming If He Can't Find a Sponsorhttp://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/03/19/gold-medalist-jason-lezak-may-quit-swimming-if-he-cant-find-a-s/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/03/19/gold-medalist-jason-lezak-may-quit-swimming-if-he-cant-find-a-s/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/03/19/gold-medalist-jason-lezak-may-quit-swimming-if-he-cant-find-a-s/#commentsFiled under:

Jason LezakMichael Phelps was America's Olympic hero last summer, but he couldn't have won his eight gold medals without the help of his relay partner Jason Lezak, who caught France's world record holder Alain Bernard from behind to win the 4-by-100 freestyle relay.

But while Phelps has become an international superstar, made millions of dollars and, more recently, become the subject of some incriminating photos, Lezak has been largely forgotten.

In fact, Lezak currently doesn't have a single sponsor, and he may have to quit swimming all together if he doesn't find one. Currently, Lezak's only source of income is the $1,750 a month stipend he gets for being part of the American swimming team. At age 33, he won't be swimming much longer, and he needs to start thinking about how he's going to make a living.

A Newsweek profile calls Lezak "America's Unemployed Olympic Hero."

"It stresses me out," Lezak told Newsweek. "But I have to keep my hopes up. ... I'm committed to swim through the summer. Then, it's like, 'Is this the right thing for me?' I'm married and I want a family."

And so Lezak is hoping some company will offer him a sponsorship deal. Nike was sponsoring him during the Olympics but has since gotten out of the swimming business. So far no other company has stepped up to fill that void.

One company that could offer to help out is NBC, which eclipsed $1 billion in advertising revenue on the 2008 Games. NBC spends billions for the rights to televise the Olympics, but it doesn't pay Lezak or other Olympians a dime. Maybe it should.

As it stands, Lezak isn't sure where his future lies. But if he doesn't find a sponsor soon, this may be his final year as a competitive swimmer.

Did You See That?

    NASCAR team owner and driver Tony Stewart shoots an M4 rifle simulator as he sits in the driver's seat of a Humvee simulator during a visit to Fort Knox, Ky., Thursday, March 19, 2009. Click through for more stunning photos from the sports world.

    Ed Reinke, AP

    Illinois' Stan Simpson goes for a rebound during practice for the NCAA college men's basketball tournament Wednesday, March 18, 2009, at the Rose Garden in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

    Rick Bowmer, AP

    GREENSBORO, NC - MARCH 19: Amir Johnson #11 of the Radford Highlanders drives into Larry Drew II #11 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during the first round of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament at the Greensboro Coliseum on March 19, 2009 in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

    Streeter Lecka, Getty Images

    Australian cricketer Shaun Marsh, left, instructs Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Manny Ramirez, right, in cricket batting technique Wednesday, March 18, 2009, at the Arizona Cricket Club's pitch in Gilbert, Ariz. Ramirez tried his hand at the game as part of a promotion for DirecTV's "Cricket Ticket" broadcasting package. (AP Photo/Paul Connors)

    Paul Connors, AP

    Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Manny Ramirez attempts to hit a ball with a cricket bat Wednesday, March 18, 2009, at the Arizona Cricket Club's pitch in Gilbert, Ariz. Ramirez tried his hand at the game as part of a promotion for DirecTV's "Cricket Ticket" broadcasting package.(AP Photo/Paul Connors)

    Paul Connors, AP

    United States' David Wright slides safely into home pate as Puerto Rico catcher Geovany Soto is late on the tag in the second inning during a World Baseball Classic game in Miami, Tuesday, March 17, 2009. Wright scored on sacrifice fly by Brian McCann.

    Lynne Sladky, AP

    Sven Kramer of The Netherlands skates to first place to win the gold medal in the Men's 10000m at the ISU World Single Distance Speed Skating Championships at the Richmond Olympic Oval on March 14, 2009 in Richmond, Canada.

    Doug Pensinger, Getty Images

    Markus Rosenberg of Bremen celebrates with Pizarro (R) and Diego (L) after scoring his team's third goal during the Bundesliga match between Werder Bremen and VfB Stuttgart at the Weser Stadium on March 15, 2009 in Bremen, Germany.

    Stuart Franklin, Getty Images

    Bo-Ra Lee of Korea crashes as she skates in race one of the Women's 500m at the ISU World Single Distance Speed Skating Championships at the Richmond Olympic Oval on March 15, 2009 in Richmond, Canada.

    Doug Pensinger, Getty Images

    In this series of three images, Henrik Stenson of Sweden stands with his caddy Fanny Sunneson, addresses his ball from the edge of a water hazard on the 3rd hole, then emerges covered in mud up to his calves during the first round of the World Golf Championships-CA Championship at the Doral Golf Resort & Spa on March 12, 2009 in Miami, Florida (Kyle Auclair, Getty Images)

    Kyle Auclair, Getty Images

Gold Medalist Jason Lezak May Quit Swimming If He Can't Find a Sponsor originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:14:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Jason LezakJasonLezakMichael PhelpsMichaelPhelpsMichael David SmithThu, 19 Mar 2009 15:14:00 EST Stephanie Rice Wants You to Stop Calling Her a Party Girlhttp://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/02/19/stephanie-rice-wants-you-to-stop-calling-her-a-party-girl/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/02/19/stephanie-rice-wants-you-to-stop-calling-her-a-party-girl/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/02/19/stephanie-rice-wants-you-to-stop-calling-her-a-party-girl/#commentsFiled under: ,

Michael Phelps isn't the only Olympian to be pinned as a partier after having success at the Beijing Olympics. Stephanie Rice, three-time 2008 gold medalist in the 200-meter, 400-meter and 4 x 200 relay, has been labeled a party girl in her home country of Australia and is trying to shake the image, saying she has avoided knocking back shots since the new year.


Rice is getting herself set for the world trials next month in Australia, avoiding going out and focusing strictly on training, even if nobody believes her.
"I haven't been out basically since Christmas and New Year, but I continue to be called a party girl and it's just gone too far now,'' Rice said.

"When I first saw the headlines calling me wild and a party animal, I just thought it was a bit over the top. But for it to continue when I'm back training and competing is untrue and it's got to the stage where enough is enough.''
Obviously the speculation that she has spent more time at bars and less time in the pool were fairly justified when she seemed winded and exhausted after three 200-meter races in the NSW Championships.
Rice almost collapsed with exhaustion following Sunday's program where she raced in three 200m events including a dramatic end to the 200m freestyle.

"I was spent and swallowed water nearing the end of the race and I just had this coughing attack,'' the world record holder said. "It was a full-on weekend of racing and by Sunday night I was exhausted and feeling the strain. I am far from being at my peak.''
Rice will have to battle more than just her image problems and her endurance during the time trials next month. A television scheduling glitch has put the 200-meter butterfly and the 400-meter individual medley just 25 minutes apart, giving swimmers basically no time to catch their breath if they want to race in both.
The Queenslanders face the dilemma of producing their best in the 200m butterfly and 400m individual medley with just 25 minutes rest between the two finals. It's a scheduling glitch that should not exist because the two finals are raced three days apart at the world titles in Rome.

If Rice could compete in both of those and even place, for heaven's sakes, then that would get rid of her party girl image in an instant.

Stephanie Rice Wants You to Stop Calling Her a Party Girl originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 10:34:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Michael PhelpsMichaelPhelpsStephanie RiceStephanieRiceShane BaconThu, 19 Feb 2009 10:34:00 EST Phelps 'Hiding Out' in Strip Clubs?http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/02/18/michael-phelps-hiding-out-in-strip-clubs/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/02/18/michael-phelps-hiding-out-in-strip-clubs/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/02/18/michael-phelps-hiding-out-in-strip-clubs/#commentsFiled under:

If your job was to count the good decisions Michael Phelps has made since he was wearing that American flag swimming cap on his head in Beijing, your days have probably been fairly uneventful.

Phelps dated this girl, then ripped the Bong Hit Heard 'Round The World (after losing money playing beer pong) and now is trying his hardest to avoid any trouble. So where is the best place for Phelps to avoid trouble? Yes, Pacman, "strip clubs" would be the correct answer.

A source told Page Six that Phelps has been "hiding out at strip clubs," since it is one of the few places cameras aren't allowed. Strip clubs. Strip clubs. Phelps, who got himself in a heap of trouble by "letting our youth down by smoking pot" has decided that the best possible decision he could make is to go to strip clubs because people can't photograph you.

You know where paparazzi can photo you? Walking into a strip club. Or leaving one.

Trust me, as a person who may or may not have spent some solid hours in random strip clubs around the nation, I have no problem visiting these places. I just think if you are trying to restore your image, you might want to avoid something like this for at least a month or so, until your image is at least somewhat repaired.

Phelps 'Hiding Out' in Strip Clubs? originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 10:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Michael PhelpsMichaelPhelpsShane BaconWed, 18 Feb 2009 10:40:00 EST Michael Phelps Apologizes to Chinahttp://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/02/13/michael-phelps-apologizes-to-china/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/02/13/michael-phelps-apologizes-to-china/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/02/13/michael-phelps-apologizes-to-china/#commentsFiled under:



The bong hit heard 'round the world continues to have far-reaching repercussions, as Michael Phelps has recorded the above video to the "Chinese friends" who saw him win eight Olympic gold medals in Beijing last summer.

Phelps looks into the camera and reads aloud the open letter he wrote to Chinese fans:

To my Chinese friends,

As many of you know, I recently engaged in a behavior that was regrettable and not what people have come to expect from me.

The past few days have been tough for me, but I've received support and encouragement online from so many Chinese friends.

I will learn from these mistakes, train hard, and make you proud again.

To the young people of China, please learn from this lesson. Be positive in life, and do the right things.

I've had so many great experiences in China over the past few years, and have enjoyed learning about your culture and your history.

But it's the warmth and the forgiveness in the messages I've received from China that has really lifted me over the past few days.

Thanks again for your support and encouragement. I look forward to returning to China soon.

Phelps never specifically mentions the "behavior that was regrettable," but apparently the photo of him appearing to smoke marijuana has been viewed enough in China that everyone there will know that's what he's referencing.

The New York Times reports that the video is being distributed in China by Mazda, the Japanese automaker that is trying to expand its presence in China and has signed Phelps to an endorsement deal.

Michael Phelps Apologizes to China originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 18:17:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Michael PhelpsMichaelPhelpsMichael David SmithFri, 13 Feb 2009 18:17:00 EST The Real Jennifer Figge Storyhttp://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/02/11/the-real-jennifer-figge-story/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/02/11/the-real-jennifer-figge-story/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/02/11/the-real-jennifer-figge-story/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Early this week, the story of Jennifer Figge swimming "across" the Atlantic Ocean surfaced. Nearly immediately, skeptics began crunching the numbers and it was painfully obvious she didn't come close to doing many of the things for which credit was being given.

The erroneous nature of the reports comes basically in the distances. When the AP originally reported she swam 2,100 miles, they were calculating how far her boat traveled. In all actuality, Figge probably only swam around 250 miles, if that.

Members of her crew have been coming to her aid in the aftermath, correctly pointing out that no one ever explicitly stated -- from their camp, at least -- that she was to swim the entire distance. You see, you can't exactly drop anchor in the middle of the ocean. Thus, her boat never stopped, so when she got in the boat to rest, eat, avoid bad weather, or escape Portugese man-o-war attacks; said boat just kept humming along across the ocean.

In fact, the farthest she ever swam in one day was 25 miles, and that was when she was being helped by a strong current.
"Some of the more sensational stories made it sound like she got in the water at point A and never stopped swimming, like Nemo, until she got to Trinidad," (Manager David Higden said Monday.

"That wasn't the case, and it never was supposed to be the case.

"The plan all along was for her to swim a little bit every day and then get in the boat."
Some days she was only in the water for 20 minutes or so, according to reports. Also of note is that she was swimming in a cage that would protect her from sharks. Apparently, though, that's all it kept out:
"Whales literally came up to her," Higden said. "She swam with dolphins some days."
Finally, the plan was never to make the news of an incredible athletic feat. It was, instead, more about the adventure, according to Higden.
"Jennifer once told me, 'This is about the romance, not the science,' " he said. "She loves to be in the water.

The Real Jennifer Figge Story originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>jennifer figgeJenniferFiggeMatt SnyderWed, 11 Feb 2009 17:15:00 EST Michael Phelps Lost Thousands Playing Beer Pong on Bong Nighthttp://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/02/10/michael-phelps-lost-thousands-playing-beer-pong-on-bong-night/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/02/10/michael-phelps-lost-thousands-playing-beer-pong-on-bong-night/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/02/10/michael-phelps-lost-thousands-playing-beer-pong-on-bong-night/#commentsFiled under:

Michael Phelps, on the night he got caught with a bong at a South Carolina fraternity party, had lost upward of $2,000 playing beer pong. Trust me, it's hard to make it in those cups when you can't quit laughing.
"I saw Phelps pull out a roll, a bank-wrapped $2,000. He said, 'I'll match the $2,000,' " onlooker Michael Whitworth told the State newspaper. "Good ol' Phelpsie lost it, too."
What Mr. Whitworth didn't tell us was who his partner was. That is who I hold responsible for all these shenanigans.

See, if, per sé, I had ever bet money on a beer pong game, it would have probably been 40-50 percent more than I would have bet if I was sober. Say, as a college kid in Tucson, I bet $100 on a game (remember this is all hypothetical). Now, say my roommate -- we will call him "Will" for fun -- doesn't like to bet money. He is my teammate in this hypothetical beer pong game, and he is nervous and out of his element because there is more on the line than room temperature Keystone Light. Will struggles all through the game, making us lose because "Andrew" and "Ryan" (our hypothetical opponents) catch fire, (you SOBs!), and beat me. I just lost $100 on stupid beer pong because of Will and his nerves.

Wait, where was I going with this? Oh yeah, Phelps lost $2,000 during Bong-a-palooza. Too bad Rick Reilly wasn't there to Ed Hardy up the entire event.

Michael Phelps Lost Thousands Playing Beer Pong on Bong Night originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 18:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Michael PhelpsMichaelPhelpsShane BaconTue, 10 Feb 2009 18:15:00 EST 8 Arrests Made in Michael Phelps 'Case'http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/02/10/8-arrests-made-in-michael-phelps-case/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/02/10/8-arrests-made-in-michael-phelps-case/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/02/10/8-arrests-made-in-michael-phelps-case/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Michael Phelps and his bong, despite the best intentions of Alex Rodriguez, will simply not go away. That's probably because Sheriff Leon Lott won't let the whole "smoking pot in a picture" thing go, and, as a result of the sheriff's investigation into the party that Phelps attended, eight arrests have been made. (No word yet on whether any were a result of swindling Phelps out of two grand in beer pong.)



That's right: eight people, likely being questioned about Phelps' presence at the party and the bong (which was being sold on eBay!) in question were caught in the crossfire and the resulting smoke.
[WIS News 10 has] learned that since investigators began trying to build a case, they've made eight arrests: seven for drug possession and one for distribution. These are arrests that resulted as the sheriff's department served search warrants.

We've also learned that the department has located and confiscated that bong.

Sources say the owner of the bong was trying to sell it on eBay for as much as $100,000.

The owner, who wasn't even at the party, is one of the eight now charged.
This really is getting out of hand, folks. Seriously, what's next -- attempting to charge anyone who bid on the bong with "intent to get stoned"? I understand why Sheriff Lott wants to go after Phelps; I'm just as eager for the public spotlight as the next guy.

But this is valuable tax dollars being wasted on a bunch of fraternity kids, when there's probably some other guy in a trailer by a field just outside Colombia, South Carolina, with a bunch of marijuana who is far more deserving of the good sheriff's intentions than these kids.

On the bright side, as noted by News 10, at least South Carolina governor Mark Sanford came out against the potential arrest of the Olympic champion, stating that, "I don't see what it gets at this point." At least he's interested in getting re-elected, unlike, apparently, Sheriff Lott.

8 Arrests Made in Michael Phelps 'Case' originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>leon lottLeonLottmark sanfordMarkSanfordmichael phelpsMichaelPhelpsWill BrinsonTue, 10 Feb 2009 15:10:00 EST Call Kellogg's: Press 1 for Michael Phelps, Press 2 for Tainted Peanut Butterhttp://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/02/09/call-kelloggs-press-1-for-michael-phelps-press-2-for-tainted/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/02/09/call-kelloggs-press-1-for-michael-phelps-press-2-for-tainted/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/02/09/call-kelloggs-press-1-for-michael-phelps-press-2-for-tainted/#commentsFiled under:

When the photo of Michael Phelps taking a hit off a bong surfaced, some people saw a harmless activity that's pretty common for a 23-year-old, while others saw an Olympic hero tarnishing his legacy. But the Kellogg's company saw an opportunity to preen itself on its moral rectitude.

Kellogg's, you see, was already scheduled to end its promotion with Phelps and other Olympians this month, but by announcing the parting of ways with Phelps right after the photo became public, Kellogg's could portray itself as a supporter of the war on drugs.

There's just one problem for Kellogg's: Not everyone likes the war on drugs. And that means Kellogg's has received a whole lot of phone calls from people expressing their displeasure with the company. Here's the recording you hear when you call Kellogg's:

"Thank you for calling the Kellogg Company. If you would like to share your comments regarding our relationship with Michael Phelps, please press one to speak to a representative. If you are calling about the recent peanut butter recall, please press two now. Otherwise, press three or stay on the line. Thank you."

(Listen here.)

Ryan Grim of The Huffington Post notes that the ordering would seem to indicate that Kellogg's customers are more concerned about the company's decision to dump Phelps than they are about tainted peanut butter. Several organizations that support changes to America's drug laws are calling for a boycott of Kellogg's, and there's a Facebook group devoted to boycotting Kellogg's as well. At this point, Kellogg's must wish it had just let Phelps' contract expire quietly.

Call Kellogg's: Press 1 for Michael Phelps, Press 2 for Tainted Peanut Butter originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 16:59:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Michael PhelpsMichaelPhelpsMichael David SmithMon, 09 Feb 2009 16:59:00 EST Subway Keeps Michael Phelps in Foldhttp://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/02/09/subway-keeps-michael-phelps-in-fold/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/02/09/subway-keeps-michael-phelps-in-fold/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/02/09/subway-keeps-michael-phelps-in-fold/#commentsFiled under:

In case you haven't heard, Michael Phelps got caught smoking weed and has admitted to it. Nobody will fault you if you didn't hear about it, because it was kept pretty hush-hush around the Internet.

Kellogg dropped Phelps after the pictures came out, but Subway, the sandwich company that tends to find its way on my coffee table three or four times a week, is planning on keeping the Olympian on staff.
"Like most Americans, and like Michael Phelps himself, we were disappointed in his behavior," Subway said in a statement. "Also like most Americans, we accept his apology. Moving forward, he remains in our plans."
Wait a quick second, Subway. "Accept his apology?" What freakin' country do you think we are? This is America. You do one thing wrong and people harp on it for years. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Shia LaBeouf? Transformers star? Nope. DUI. What about Barry Bonds? Steroids. Britney Spears? Insane mother. Christian Bale? "F-ing unprofessional, man."

I'm not so sure about this Subway company right now. Forgiving and forgetting seems a little funny for my tastes.

The only thing I can think of is that they are planning a "Five Dollar, Five Dollar, Five Dollar Pot Booooonnnng" commercial. Those tricksters.

Subway Keeps Michael Phelps in Fold originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Michael PhelpsMichaelPhelpsShane BaconMon, 09 Feb 2009 12:05:00 EST Jennifer Figge, 56, Becomes First Woman To Swim Across Atlantic Oceanhttp://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/02/08/jennifer-figge-56-becomes-first-woman-to-swim-across-atlantic/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/02/08/jennifer-figge-56-becomes-first-woman-to-swim-across-atlantic/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/02/08/jennifer-figge-56-becomes-first-woman-to-swim-across-atlantic/#commentsFiled under: ,

Jennifer FiggeEndurance, thy name is Jennifer Figge. With all the detritus we've had to sort through in sports over the past couple of days, it's a breath of fresh air to hear a story like this one. The 56-year-old became the first woman on record to swim across the Atlantic as she touched land for the first time in almost a month.

According to the AP report, Figge had the dream conquest in her head since the early 1960's during a stormy trans-Atlantic flight, and it turned into reality Thursday night when she arrived on Trinidad's Chacachacare Island (an abandoned leper colony of all places).

During her taxing journey, Figge had to battle waves of up to 30 feet and strong winds, and the inclement weather forced her to veer 1,000 miles off course; she originally was supposed to swim to the Bahamas. Her longest time in the water was about eight hours.

Her nourishment? That would be pasta and baked potatoes for breakfast, bottles of energy drinks -- delivered by her crew as she swam -- and at night, she dined on meat, fish and peanut butter to restock the estimated 8,000 calories she burned each day.

Figge, who made the journey a decade after French swimmer Benoit Lecomte pulled off his solo trans-Atlantic swim, will continue onward from Trinidad to the British Virgin Islands before returning home to Colorado, where her Alaskan Malamute waits.

"My dog doesn't know where I am," she told the AP. "It's time for me to get back home to Hank."

For more, be sure to check out Figge's Facebook page.

Update: Figge's real swimming time and distance much shorter than reported.

Jennifer Figge, 56, Becomes First Woman To Swim Across Atlantic Ocean originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Sun, 08 Feb 2009 09:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Tom HerreraSun, 08 Feb 2009 09:20:00 EST Marketing Expert Says Michael Phelps Needs a 'Blog Strategy'http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/02/06/marketing-expert-says-michael-phelps-needs-a-blog-strategy/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/02/06/marketing-expert-says-michael-phelps-needs-a-blog-strategy/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/02/06/marketing-expert-says-michael-phelps-needs-a-blog-strategy/#commentsFiled under: ,


The Michael Phelps bong photo has been burning up the blogosphere for the last week, and now one marketing expert says it's time for Phelps and his PR team to develop a "blog strategy."

Gene Grabowski, the Senior VP of Levick Strategic Communications, appeared on ESPN Radio Friday morning to assess the way Phelps and the people around him have dealt with the media firestorm that was set off when a photo of him appearing to smoke marijuana appeared in a British tabloid. Grabowski said Phelps and his people haven't done a good enough job of dealing with blogs.

"He may lose half of his endorsements," Grabowski said. "Today on the blogs they're all talking about how Phelps says he's sorry again. They're making fun of it."

So when blogs are making fun of you, what do you do?

"He needs a blog strategy," Grabowski continued. "He's getting killed in the blogs right now. Doobie jokes, bong jokes, blowing bubbles in the pool jokes. Perez Hilton is all over him today. ... It's those moms and dads who are driving those kids to swimming practice that he's most vulnerable with, and the biggest growing part in the blogosphere right now are the mommy blogs, the parent blogs. He needs a strategy to get this under control online ... or he'll lose a tremendous number of endorsements."

So what should that blog strategy be? Grabowski says: "He needs more third parties on the blogs. He needs coaches, he needs allies, he needs his friends to get on the blogs for him and say, 'Look, the Michael Phelps we know made a mistake, he's moving forward in his life, he's a competitor, he'll be back.'"

Grabowski is the PR expert and I'm not, but as a blogger who has written about Phelps, I'd have to say I don't really get what this "blog strategy" is going to accomplish. Perez Hilton is calling Phelps a stoner, so that means Phelps needs his friends to post a comment saying he made a mistake and he's moving forward in his life? "Mommy blogs" are saying he's a bad role model, so his coaches need to respond and say he's a good role model?

I think Phelps is a celebrity who was the subject of an embarrassing photo, and celebrities with embarrassing photos just have to live with the fact that blogs -- and plenty of other media outlets -- are going to make jokes about them. Phelps doesn't need a blog strategy, he just needs to keep training, wait out this three-month suspension, and feel confident that this will be a footnote as soon as he sets his first world record of 2009.

Marketing Expert Says Michael Phelps Needs a 'Blog Strategy' originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 09:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Michael PhelpsMichaelPhelpsMichael David SmithFri, 06 Feb 2009 09:50:00 EST Michael Phelps Suspended for 3 Months By USA Swimminghttp://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/02/05/michael-phelps-suspended-for-three-months-by-usa-swimming/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/02/05/michael-phelps-suspended-for-three-months-by-usa-swimming/http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/02/05/michael-phelps-suspended-for-three-months-by-usa-swimming/#commentsFiled under:

Life has an interesting way of showing even the most famous how the ups and downs work. This summer in Beijing, Michael Phelps was our national hero, forcing any American worth their weight in red, white and blues to wear out their respective couches when he swam. That was a high point for the young Olympian.

Now is the low. After the pot pictures heard 'round the world hit the newsstands last week, everyone has been jumping quickly off the Phelps bandwagon and quickly on the ridicule van. Now? Phelps will be out of swimming for three months after USA Swimming suspended him.
"This is not a situation where any anti-doping rule was violated, but we decided to send a strong message to Michael because he disappointed so many people, particularly the hundreds of thousands of USA Swimming member kids who look up to him as a role model and a hero," the federation said in a statement.
The Phelps story has become one of intense argument. On one hand, you have the critics that would throw stones if Phelps was indeed strapped to a stick in the middle of town, denouncing their beloved star because of the mistakes.

Others have taken the "ignorance" argument, saying that Phelps can do whatever he wants in his free time as long as he doesn't get caught by some digital camera.

We even have some critics saying that there really isn't anything so bad about this. It's just marijuana. He's still just a kid. Why do we have to kill our hero just because of this?

Drugs are something that find their way into sports day in and day out. We deal with athletes being caught with pot (hello, Micheal Vick at the Miami airport) all the time, and we deal with it. This is different. This was our kid. He was our boy. The highest-tier athletes around loved him during that improbable stretch, and celebrities even admitted to occasionally getting shivers down their spine when his long arms paddled through the lanes.

It might not be a race issue per se, but it is a white kid that had role model slapped on him (whether he liked it or not) getting caught doing something that is actually available to most kids, even if parents don't want to believe so. It's pot. Anyone can get their hands on it. Anyone can figure out how to use it. With Phelps being someone that parents were proud to point to as a fairly straight player, his grilling seems to be as atomic as possible.

I think a suspension was necessary because it showed that this isn't condoned in our society. Do I agree with all the downfall that has landed on Phelps? Maybe not, but that is how life is. Sometimes you have good days, sometimes you don't.

Michael Phelps Suspended for 3 Months By USA Swimming originally appeared on Back Porch FanHouse on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 21:44:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Michael PhelpsMichaelPhelpsShane BaconThu, 05 Feb 2009 21:44:00 EST