Michael Phelps photographed taking a bong hit.

[SavannahDare]

How many endorsement deals will he lose?

How many 23 year olds smoke some pot on occasion? I don't think it's a big deal so long as it's not a "problem." It's too bad he wasn't more aware of who was around him and couldn't have made sure there were no cameras around. I bet this will lead to him losing some big endorsement deals, and it's just so stupid.

 

[Bodhisattva]

Michael Phelps/Tommy Chong 2012

 

[Pluck and Grit]

Is not photographic evidence of a crime, especially when coupled with witness statements, proof enough for a conviction?

 

[Ark-Tider]

This oficially qaulifies him for President one day.

 

[crimson_blood]

Did he inhale?

 

[ValuJet]

Did he inhale?

I don't think a bong gives you much of a choice.

 

[gamersfuel]

was reading some columns from espn on this and couldnt believe how they were willing to throw it under a rug.

 

[Tidewater]

It is unfortunate for the young guy, dumb call on his part, smoking that stuff, and doing it with a camera nearby.
When I was 22, I did a bunch of dumb stuff and am just glad there weren't so many digital cameras and camcorders around back then.

Yes, it will cost him some endorsements and the endorsement shelf-life on an Olympic gold medal winner, even one like Phelps, is limited.

 

[Bama4Ever831]

It is unfortunate for the young guy, dumb call on his part, smoking that stuff, and doing it with a camera nearby.
When I was 22, I did a bunch of dumb stuff and am just glad there weren't so many digital cameras and camcorders around back then.

Yes, it will cost him some endorsements and the endorsement shelf-life on an Olympic gold medal winner, even one like Phelps, is limited.

Smoking pot like that is something 40% of us have done at sometime. He just needs to realize since he is famous he is held to a higher standard. I don't feel too bad about the lost endorsements. He has plenty of money to live on until he wins some more gold in 2012. By then no one will even remember this.

NIDA - Research Report Series - Marijuana Abuse
(just the proof that it is 40%)

 

[Bamaro]

He was busted 4 years ago for DUI and that doesn't hurt him now with endorsements.

 

[Tidewater]

He was busted 4 years ago for DUI and that doesn't hurt him now with endorsements.

Imagining for the moment that these two incidents are not isolated, imagine what the guy could do if he were to knock of the smoke and drink.

 

[It's On A Slab]

Swimming is so into drug-testing, it's hard for me to believe he wouldn't get caught if he was a regular user.

 

[Tidewater]

Swimming is so into drug-testing, it's hard for me to believe he wouldn't get caught if he was a regular user.

Yes, they frequently test for performance-enhancing drugs, but do they regularly test for performance-retarding ones?
Plus, did you see that news story about how much Phelps ate each day? He had an Olympic-size case of the munchies, every day. Maybe there was some hidden reason for that?

 

[ga_tide_fan]

So he loses his Visa and Buick endorsement contracts and picks up Golden Seal and Budweiser. This could work out good for him.:biggrin:

 

[Bama4Ever831]

Yes, they frequently test for performance-enhancing drugs, but do they regularly test for performance-retarding ones?
Plus, did you see that news story about how much Phelps ate each day? He had an Olympic-size case of the munchies, every day. Maybe there was some hidden reason for that?

Haha. I think you are on to something there. Maybe Usain Bolt should be checked. He is from Jamaica.

 

[tambo410]

pot never used to be on the banned substance list for the IOC. For the NCAA yes but that would not apply to phelps. Also, a normal person metabolizes it in about 30 days. If you sweat, alot like an athlete would, 1 week is normal. Then of coarse there are things that can be taken to mask it... I heard once if you drink a jar of pickle juice...

 

[Jack Bourbon]

The person who took and distributed the photo is a sorry a-hole of the highest order.

 

[Tidewater]

The person who took and distributed the photo is a sorry a-hole of the highest order.

You're right, but he probably got a hefty check from the tabloid.
Phelps should know better. He can smoke to his heart's delight for the rest of his life once he is out of the limelight. For now, though, he should live a squeaky clean life.

 

[aprovo]

Yes, they frequently test for performance-enhancing drugs, but do they regularly test for performance-retarding ones?
Plus, did you see that news story about how much Phelps ate each day? He had an Olympic-size case of the munchies, every day. Maybe there was some hidden reason for that?

I just don't see how any athlete could train like he did, if he was smoking it on a regular basis. As a swim coach this is very disappointing to me. As an adult I don't think it is a big deal plus this gives parents the opportunity to talk to there kids about drugs, drinking, etc.

 

[92tide]

. . . plus this gives parents the opportunity to talk to there kids about drugs, drinking, etc.

you mean like telling them that they may turn out to be the best swimmer of all time, the president of the US, a renowned scientist or a highly (no pun) successful artist or musician if they start pulling tubes?