Michael Phelps may soon be paying a high price for smoking marijuana. The eight Olympic gold medalist was pictured at a party inhaling from a marijuana pipe and has been banned from the swimming competition for three months and potentially will face criminal charges.
In May, however, he will be able to defend his seven titles in July at the World Championships. “He will be physically ready,” says Kevin Eason of TimesOnline, “but Phelps should brace himself psychologically, because his session with a bong will not be easily forgotten by millions of Americans seeing again their fallen hero.”
Many sponsors, such as Kellogg’s, were not proud of Phelps’ act. Kellogg’s will no longer be sponsoring Phelps. The Michigan based company says that Phelps’ behavior is “not consistent with the image of Kellogg." Phelps has gained a new sponsor, Rollie's Smoke Shop. However, Phelps agent says, "Sure, he disappointed millions of kids, but now he can be embraced by a completely new demographic. We’re looking into other deals with Manny’s Late Night drive-thru; Weed Magazine wants to do a cover. We’re in talks with Speedo on a hemp fabric swimsuit. We’re taking this in a whole new direction.” |
| In Response to "Phelps Banned from Competition " |
| Posted on February 10, 2009 |
| Rhyan writes . . . |
When I heard about Michael Phelps and his astonishing drug problem, I was very disappointed. Not only me, but everyone. Michael Phelps represents the United States every year. If he can’t take responsibility for his actions, I don’t think we need him in the upcoming Olympics. He was like a role model to many people. Now, I don’t think people will give him the support he needs to win the next competition. Also, Phelps has lost many of his sponsors because of this but he has also gained some. Overall, I think that if Phelps can’t make the choices and fulfill the duties of an Olympic trophy winner, he should just stop swimming. It isn’t fair for others to watch Phelps swim when he abused his privileges as a person and as a role model. |
| Dalton writes . . . |
| Posted on February 10, 2009 |
| I think that Phelps should be stripped of his medals. He is supposed to be a symbol of American pride and represent our country on the biggest stage of all. Then, he has the audacity to smoke weed and humiliate America. He had brought about pride all over the United States after he beat every swimming record there ever was and has become a reknown symbol for every American. Smoking marijuana is ILLEGAL, period! If he is not punished, then it’s going to send a message to all of our youth that it’s ok to do it, that if he does it, so why can’t it? Phelps should be stripped of his medals and should have the book thrown at him to show that it’s illegal and just because you’re a celebrity, you can’t get away with it. |
| Josh writes . . . |
| Posted on February 10, 2009 |
I believe Phelps is an idiot for doing that any way. So what if people do it every day . . . it’s still wrong! Phelps should have had a worse punishment than what he got. Being a role model to millions of young people, one might think he could have made a better decision. I realize people are not perfect, but if people made better decisions, kids wouldn’t have to worry about being disappointed. If any of us, or any “normal Joe,” were caught smoking marijuana, we would have been put in jail. If punishment like that is what we all get, then so should Phelps. |
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