A man who is accustomed to being in the spotlight probably isn't too pleased for the most recent reason for the beam that is upon him. The recent photo of Michael Phelps apparently smoking a pot pipe has brought a reprimand and a 3 month suspension from competition by USA Swimming. Wasn't this the same organization that applauded his public apology?
So, winning eight gold medals in one Olympiad is a piece of cake, but deciding not to smoke pot and get photographed doing it is a much harder task. Now, Phelps is only 23 years of age and it seems we have come to expect this kind of behavior from those who are in this age category. I see those who are saying that Phelps should be left alone since he "owned up" to his mistake. To a certain extent, I agree. However, at the same time, I think he lost the opportunity to be "left alone" after he became the winning est Olympic champion and accepted millions of dollars in endorsements. The game changes when you begin to represent companies and take their millions of dollars to do so. Those that are pressing him the most are the companies whose money he has accepted. Kellogg apparently is not going to renew their contract with him, stating that his behavior does not coincide with their image.
Though, I don't hear a public outcry to strip him of his medals or ban him from future Olympics--and he shouldn't be. No anti-doping regulations have been broken. With USA Swimming suspending him for 3 months of competition, it is sending him a message and the rest of the swimming world a message. Michael is a role model to countless young swimmers, and as thus should act accordingly. He understands that and has issued his apology and commitment to not let this happen again.
Does this entire incident change his image? Perhaps in the short term. But, when it comes to great athletes, our memories seem to be short. Remember when Phelps had a DUI at age 19? Come the next Olympics, I bet we won't remember this as he Tsunami's the rest of the competition. I also don't doubt that he will still be a millionaire when all is said and done.
(Photo: Clary/Getty)
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I still remember last summer when they talked about how much food this guy eats in a day. It was like 10 million calories every meal.
ReplyDeleteCome to think of it, there was a lot of junk food on there. Maybe the following should have been our first clues about his pot use:
- 14 Bags of Fritos
- 7 Snickers candy bars
- 4 Gallons of Shasta Root Beer
- 6 Pepperoni pizzas
- 2 Bottles of Jus, Mixed with Monavie (something about flavanoids)
This has got my wheels turning, maybe I'll write a Vander Bite about this. If you check out www.vanderbites.com and don't see a Phleps parody, taunt me unmercifully until I write one.
Rock