The British tabloid The News of the World is getting attention for its “scoop” that shows American swimmer Michael Phelps smoking pot at a party in Columbia, S.C., in November. The story was given a prominent link via red type on the Drudge Report. (Phelps has now apologized; see below)
This is the astonishing picture which could destroy the career of the greatest competitor in Olympic history.
In our exclusive photo Michael Phelps, who won a record EIGHT gold medals for swimming at the Beijing games last summer, draws from a bong.
The glass pipes are generally used to smoke cannabis.
The article then goes on to describe Phelps’ appearance at a party with students from the University of South Carolina, where he smoked pot, drank like a fish, got wasted and generally made an ass of himself.
Our source said: “You could tell Michael had smoked before. He grabbed the bong and a lighter and knew exactly what to do.
“He looked just as natural with a bong in his hands as he does swimming in the pool. He was the gold medal winner of bong hits. Michael ended up getting a little paranoid, though, because before too long he looked like he was nervous and ran out of the place.”
The story goes on to say that Phelps’ representatives begged the paper to not run the pictures, offering all sorts of exclusives, including having Phelps write a regular column. The fear is that Phelps could have run afoul of Olympic anti-doping laws.
This really seems like much ado about nothing. Phelps is 23, drinks and smokes pot. Big deal. It was encouraging that many commenters on the News story are taking a who-cares attitude. It also is unclear how smoking pot in November, an offseason for swimming, could disqualify Phelps from any competition unless he actually failed a drug test. I doubt the News’ photo would be admissible as evidence.
David Howman, executive director of the World Anti-Doping Agency, told AP that only athletes who test positive for marijuana during competition are subject to penalties. “We don’t have any jurisdiction,” Howman said. “It’s not banned out of competition. It’s only if you test positive in competition.”
The International Olympic Committee added marijuana to its banned substance list in 1998, even though it is not considered “performance enhancing.” It was just another case of hysteria from a body that has no problem accepting money from alcohol companies, whose products lead to death, disease and wrecked lives. The IOC considers pot a “minor” drug, so first-time offenders get off with a warning.
My guess is that Phelps’ reps are more concerned with his image as a spokesman for corporate America, which might suffer if he gets a reputation as a pot head. Yet Phelps had a DUI when he was 19, and that didn’t seem to hurt him. As for me, this news makes me think no better or worse of Phelps. I’m more turned off by those sideburns and chin pubes he has in that picture and would buy him a razor.
Just curious: There is some debate over whether the guy in the photo actually is Phelps. It does look like that to me, but I am not 100% convinced. What do you think? (Note: This was written before Phelps’ apology).
Update: A day after the story broke, Phelps issued this statement:
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.
on Jan 31st, 2009 at 10:18 pm
I don’t think it’s Phelps either but no biggie to me if it is. Long as he can pass a piss test he can compete. Takes 6 months, right? If you can side step a DUII (DWI?) like ‘W’ did is this a endorsement killer? The kid should be smarter though if this is him. He’s got his 30’s through his 90’s to do bong hits w/impunity but right now he should be as camera shy as possible off duty to protect his earning power. Or a poster boy for legalizing weed
on Jan 31st, 2009 at 10:19 pm
That picture really doesn’t look like Phelps to me. It’s taken from an extreme side angle, his face is partially obscured with shadows due to poor lighting…It’s hard to tell if it’s Phelps. It could just be a Tabloid doing what they do best: creating sensationalism to sell crapazines.
on Jan 31st, 2009 at 10:31 pm
It’s Phelps… here is a picture of him with the same watch
http://i42.tinypic.com/21bjjg5.jpg
he had gained weight during the off time, so he looks a bit different. Count me in the who cares category, but who knows how corporate America will react. May depend on the company involved I guess… So Disney is probably won’t be knocking at his door.
on Jan 31st, 2009 at 10:35 pm
I’m giving this a big “who cares.” A 23-year-old self-avowed (and deserving) party boy smokes pot–this is truly shocking news. Next you’re going to tell me he’s using his gold medals to get chicks! Lord almighty! Let me pick my jaw up from the floor.
on Jan 31st, 2009 at 11:54 pm
So THAT’s why he eats 12,000 calories a day…
on Feb 1st, 2009 at 4:02 am
The USOC and IOC could put Phelps through more stringent drug tests if it is somehow proven that he smokes marijuana and in light of his DUI in 2004.
As for his endorsements he will be held to a higher standard than an athlete on a professional team. I believe they get endless chances and their drug test results only are publicly disclosed after tests are failed 3 times.
on Feb 1st, 2009 at 1:06 pm
It is reassuring to read so many people’s reactions to this non-story. The story seems like someone else is trying to catch a few minutes of fame or blackmail Phelps for some hush (or hash:) money!
Why is ’smoking a little cannibas’ even against the law anymore?
It is SO hypocritical that an adult can literally go out and buy a tractor trailer full of hard liqour but God forbid he puffs a little weed?
Why do you think it is illegal still here in the U.S.? Because the government can’t tax homegrown and more likely because Liqour companies spend hundreds and hundreds of million to lobby Congress to keep marijuana listed as a dangerous and illegal drug.
Grow up America… legalize it already!
on Feb 1st, 2009 at 1:15 pm
For those saying it doesn’t look like Phelps, well it is indeed him. He apologizes for using “bad judgment”.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/more/02/01/phelps.marijuana.ap/index.html
on Feb 1st, 2009 at 3:02 pm
I think if it is indeed Phelps in the picture, he should not be ridiculed, but applauded. Not only did he win 8 gold medals, but he won 8 gold medals in a sport where lung capacity is everything on pothead lungs….everyone that lost to him should feel terrible
on Feb 1st, 2009 at 3:23 pm
It’s a beer bong! LOL. not marjuana.
on Feb 1st, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Number 10 thats not a beer bong..Idiot
on Feb 1st, 2009 at 4:34 pm
It’s on the AP wire: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gav61lYnY-W3nlJteKSkTVKT6buAD9630I500
“I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment,” Phelps said in the statement released by one of his agents. “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.”
* * *
The U.S. Olympic Committee said it was “disappointed in the behavior recently exhibited by Michael Phelps,” who was selected the group’s sportsman of the year. He also was honored as AP male athlete of the year, and his feat in Beijing — breaking Mark Spitz’s 36-year-old record for most gold medals in an Olympics — was chosen as the top story of 2008.
“Michael is a role model, and he is well aware of the responsibilities and accountability that come with setting a positive example for others, particularly young people,” the USOC said in a statement. “In this instance, regrettably, he failed to fulfill those responsibilities.”
on Feb 1st, 2009 at 5:47 pm
I love the fake quotes from the party goers. The person who wrote this article should take more creative writing classes so he can learn how to write dialogue properly.
I also love how every article is trying to out do the one before it. Now this one is saying Phelps made an ass out of himself at the party when no one said any such thing. This is great!!!
on Feb 1st, 2009 at 11:27 pm
Okay it was real and yes he was smoking pot. He held a press conference. So let’s recap. DUI, pot smoking, reckless behavior. Do we see a pattern here folks? Those of us who have dealt with addictions have seen the patterns before. Yes, I mean us. This is not youthful behavior.
Phelps has said this will never happen again. I can only hope he finds the support to make this a reality. My thoughts, prayers and support goes out to him. The support he needs won’t come from his agents who only want to reap from his rewards.
on Feb 2nd, 2009 at 8:01 am
Why does he need to assure his fans it will never happen again? He’s an adult, for heaven’s sake. I’ve never been supportive of the whole “role model” thing, like he has an obligation to behave a certain way for fear of letting down his fans. As long as he isn’t hurting anyone (like, say , in a DUI) he has the right to do whatever he wants.
on Feb 2nd, 2009 at 8:08 am
I could care less that he smokes pot. But what a bonehead! He’s going to lose out on potential millions in endorsements.
on Feb 2nd, 2009 at 9:27 am
The role model line is BS. All humans are flawed and folks might as well learn that as early on in life as possible. Now if a pic shows up in print of him firing up a cig. or has a pack of Camels in his pocket then he needs an intervention and an ass kicking.
on Feb 2nd, 2009 at 11:43 am
Bong! ! !
I thought he was caught sucking something else. . .(hint:rhymes with bong.)
on Feb 2nd, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Hmm interesting that Michael Phelps, already having said the same “I will not do anything like this in the future” after the DUI incident is getting yet another pass. The point is that marijuana is an illegal substance whether we like it or not. Yet, I don’t believe other stars, particularly football stars have gotten the same slack when their marijuana use came up. Now I don’t care either. I don’t think smoking pot is a big deal, but be consistent. The reactions I’ve heard from some who lashed out at Michael Vick long before the dogfighting allegations came out is hypocrisy at its best.
on Feb 2nd, 2009 at 3:13 pm
let him be a 23 yo. find the greedy person that sold the pic and throw him under the bus.
on Feb 3rd, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Marijuana is a naturally growing weed that flourishes in sunlight. All stigma is political and cultural. Clothes, medicine, ropes, and so much more can be made of this natural earth resource. No known side effects. No overdose. It’s like using any other herb, such as basil or peppermint, to enrich one’s life.
Marijuana is the biggest cash crop in the US, replacing corn.
How many tax dollars could be generated making this naturally growing weed legal? How many jobs? How many sick people made to feel better? How much less crime and jail population?
Marijuana was made illegal in the US by politicians and tobacco men with an agenda.
Marijuana is all in your mind.
on Feb 3rd, 2009 at 2:30 pm
If Michael Phelps is into smoking pipes then good for him. Just because he enjoys smoking a water pipe does not mean he should have to lie about it and talk about the “big mistake” he made. The government makes a mistake every time it enforces marijuana prohibition at the expense of America and good since. America should grow up and quit attacking its own citizens for how they decide to spend their recreational time.
SunflowerPipes.com
on Feb 3rd, 2009 at 4:12 pm
Do we see a pattern here folks? Those of us who have dealt with addictions have seen the patterns before. Yes, I mean us. This is not youthful behavior
Who the hell is this “we” that you’re babbling on about? YOU filter his situation through YOUR lens and are talking about an intervention or something for a 23-year old millionaire who *GASP* likes to drink, smoke pot and fuck anything with huge breasts.
You don’t know his situation, so spare me the Church Lady pearl clutching.
Finally, something interesting about an incredibly dull “celebrity”. Nice bong, too! 420.
on Feb 4th, 2009 at 3:55 am
Well if it is Michael Phelps, big deal. I think we’d be a lot better off if
more people smoked marijuana and fewer people drank alcohol. I’ve
been around a lot of stoners and they just get high and mellow, while
far too many drinkers get belligerent and want to fight.
on Feb 4th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
i’ve gotta hand it to Phelps for being man enough to acknowledge his actions and apologize — he’s still a decent role model despite the hypocritical media storm
on Feb 4th, 2009 at 11:58 pm
Jim Allen so I guess DUI is an acceptable behavior pattern in your mind? Glad we have people like you making judgment calls in today’s world. Remember, Phelps has already had one DUI. Forget it, you apparently don’t get the issues associated with this so it’s no use discussing.
on Feb 16th, 2009 at 5:21 am
I personally think it’s bullshit that ANYONE, let alone Michael Phelps, be judged for something they do to their own body. If I were him, I’d let the paper publish a photo of me flipping the bird and a caption that reads, “I don’t care what you think.” I guess it’s just the difference between personal freedom and personal earnings. But then again, I’m sure there are several marijuana friendly companies that would pick him up in a second. I say smoke in the off season, then quit to train and kick ass in competition. Shut the critics up in the pool, and do what you want in your own time. I think it’s a great example of someone who uses cannabis and is still successful. It shows that not every pot smoker is the stereo-typical stoner on the couch in his underwear. Puff, puff, pass Michael!!