embarrassing michael phelps photo

[bigtenchamps1899]

smoking a bong (http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/news/150832/14-times-Olympic-gold-medal-winner-Michael-Phelps-caught-with-bong-cannabis-pipe.html)

[WilliamsArenaGuy]

Is that the online Weekly World News? That was quite the unconvincing article. If it's not a tabloid and is true, I stand corrected. But I don't think I have much to worry about.

[From the Barn]

I don't even think that looked like Phelps.

[walleyedude]

I don't even care if it was him but that picture proves nothing.

Aren't these the UK tabloids that get sued all the time for Defamation?

[bigtenchamps1899]

yes, this is a "tabloid" and unless they have another pic of phelps at the party, then it would be hard to prove it is him. but who would make up a story about phelps walking into a college party in columbia south carolina?

[Costa Rican Gopher]

Here's another question.....so what? What does a guy doing a bong load have to do with his ability to swim fast?

Phelps is rumored to be a real dick, a pushy womanizer (The nicest way I can out it) and was allegedly asked to stay away from the Playboy Mansion.

I think the guy's a D-bag and I could care less about swimming in general, but what do I care if the guy smokes some weed at a party on his time, when he's not representing the country at the Olympics?

[WilliamsArenaGuy]

but who would make up a story about phelps walking into a college party in columbia south carolina?

A tabloid.

[BleedGopher]

He acknowledges the story and picture:

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/swimming/news/story?id=3876804

Go Gophers!!

[WilliamsArenaGuy]

Wow. I stand corrected.

[bigtenchamps1899]

i was not trying to judge anybody. people are free to make the decisions they want.

but he carries the banner of u.s. athletics, and millions of kids all over the country look up to him. being a standard bearer implies a certain level of decorum, like it or not.

[Pewterschmidt]

He's a representative of the country. That's why I care. His attitude furthers the "ugly American" perception. I would hope a publuc figure would be a bit more discrete and understand his actions reflict not just on him but the country as a whole. I'm embarrassed for him

[The Big L]

Here's another question.....so what? What does a guy doing a bong load have to do with his ability to swim fast?

Phelps is rumored to be a real dick, a pushy womanizer (The nicest way I can out it) and was allegedly asked to stay away from the Playboy Mansion.

I think the guy's a D-bag and I could care less about swimming in general, but what do I care if the guy smokes some weed at a party on his time, when he's not representing the country at the Olympics?

Because of the olympic feat, people try to make him out to be this role model for kids, and I guess he is a flag-bearer in a way. I think people want him to be this poster boy, when really it sounds like he is just a dick. I don't care about the weed, I have no problem with that. But the drunk driving and the "cocktail waitress" girlfriend and other stuff just makes me think he is a dick.

[Gopher4Life]

Let's see if his new reputation enhances his commercial success or blows it all. That might tell us a whole lot about the status of America these days.

[tikited]

I'm embarrassed for him

Somehow I'm thinking he could care less.

At least it wasn't a pop can... (J.R. Rider)

[Gopher4Life]

>>Somehow I'm thinking he could care less.<<

Isn't that the real problem? Too immature to resist peer pressure and know better.

[Costa Rican Gopher]

"millions of kids all over the country look up to him."

Come on....what kids look up to a swimmer?

"At least it wasn't a pop can... (J.R. Rider)"

"Ghostbusters bitch!!" When asked by the Oakland Police who he'd like to call after his arrest.

[GoldenHerbs]

People need to calm down, its cool for celebs to go out and go to clubs and drink alcohol, but OOOHHH NNNooooo eevil marijuana, ha.. so instead of blacking out and driving drunk the guy gets really bad case of the munchies and laziness.

[Goldy74s]

Kellogg has withdrawn their endorsement contract and he has been suspended by US Swimming Federation. Freedom works both ways. This brainstorm of his has cost him millions in the long run.

[Jike Spingleton]

Kelloggs didn't withdraw anything. They weren't renewing their contracts with U.S. Olympics to begin with, and are merely using this "scandal" as a way of promoting their All-American image. Clever.

[Rouser]

Now they want to look into pressing charges! God, what a lame set of priorities for this country. So the SC police don't have better things to do than try and arrest a 20 somthing kid smoking weed?

This country is still hung over from Nancy Regan's drug crusade. Yeah, most ilicit drugs are not a good thing but weed is pretty harmless. Half those offended by him smoking weed are scarfing down a bag of doritos in front of their kids (or slipping out back for a heater).

My guess was this wasn't his first time smoking weed (he knew how to operate the bong) and yet, he set numerous olympic records...gasp.

Lets focus on locking up the ponzi scheme dudes, the priests who fondle young boys, etc. etc.

[Goldy74s]

Why put your life's work and reputation at risk over a weed? Once again, lack of SELF control. In the end it has nothing to do with the law, police or 'society', it just comes down to having self control. Was this act in his best interest? Nope.

[Rouser]

I also think its a poor reflection of society that this is something that could ruin your reputation. Again, I just think the country needs to focus better. My 2 cents.

[Goldy74s]

An adult faces an endless series of choices in life. It can be overwhelming. It is a great help to have a very clear, focused point of view. For me, it has been a great help to just not break the law. Like most humans, I have not been able to stick to that view 100% of the time. Nonetheless, it is easier for me to have that firm compass to help guide my actions. In a sense, it makes the decisions easier to make.

In a sense, Phelps has gotten very lightly.

My 2 cents.

[Rouser]

I guess my real point is that marijuana use should be legal...much like drinking booze and eating trans fats is legal. Its not addictive (like cocaine, coffee or cigs) and it could help make a lot of money for the states.

I don't smoke it anymore but when I was younger...I did, much like the vast majority of younger folks. There are soo many other things that need to get fixed in this country before cops crack down on a kid smoking marijuana at a party.

[bigtenchamps1899]

lack of SELF control. In the end it has nothing to do with the law, police or 'society', it just comes down to having self control.

this seems very familiar to me:rolleyes: