The guy is 23, not 18, so passing off what he did as a juvenile mistake doesn’t cut it. If he believes that smoking dope is nothing to be ashamed of he ought to come out and say so. If he believes it should be legal he should also take that stand. If he only gives a damn about the $$$, then I understand his need to apologize but what’s more believable for him to say? I won’t do it again, I won’t get my picture taken holding a bong again or I am sorry I got caught?
Hmmm, this sounds kind of similar to an incident that happened 4 years ago after the 2004 Olympics.
It’s probably not the first or last time he’s smoked a joint. People are making a much bigger issue out of this than it deserves.
Did he mention if he inhaled? 
Of the last 3 Presidents:
- The current one has admitted to marijuana and cocaine use
- The last one was convicted of a DUI and has hinted at marijuana and cocaine use
- The one before that admitted to marijuana use (which became the butt of many jokes) and it is highly likely that he also used cocaine recreationally
A swimmer smoking a bong is no big deal.
I’ll bet he had no trouble clearing the chamber with those olympic-sized airbags.
I agree, he should not apologize.
I’m amused and delighted that his sponsors appears to be pro weed =)
I noticed that as well which kind of surprised me.
I know what you are saying if it were me I would’nt apologize…BUT! This is a guy who could lose 10’s and even 100 million dollars in endorsements!! Sorry but the guy has proved he’s human and as such I would apologize in a heart beat!! SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!..lol Seriously though we are talking about one shit load of money, he had to apologize. He’s only human.
I was surprised because Americans seem to get their panties in a bunch over pot. Everyone should have a gun, but no toking! Frankly, I was glad to see that the sponsors are kind of taking it for what it is.
His sponsors won’t do anything unless there is a huge public uproar or if he is accused of something really bad (ala Kobe Bryant). At this point, I bet that they are hoping that this blows over pretty quickly and they can go back to business as usual with both the sponsors and Phelps making a ton of money while partying smoking a J behind closed doors.
I know what you are saying if it were me I would’nt apologize…BUT! This is a guy who could lose 10’s and even 100 million dollars in endorsements!! Sorry but the guy has proved he’s human and as such I would apologize in a heart beat!! SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!..lol Seriously though we are talking about one shit load of money, he had to apologize. He’s only human.
I think we are in agreement here that it’s about the money. It has nothing to do with integrity or being sorry. Sponsors want a payoff and Phelps wants a nest egg. Lets just call his apology what it is, an attempt to keep cashing in for all parties.
I’ve long had an issue with the weird ethos of holding public figures to a higher standard of conduct that we ourselves are often able to maintain.
There is the argument that Phelps, and for that matter, any public figure, is a role model and I do buy into that argument. On the flip side there is the reality that, despite their talents and the notoriety they bring they are humans and they are fallable.
Perhaps in addition to some degree of discretion on the part of the celebs there needs to be a commensurate degree of acceptance among the public.
When you sell your image for millions of dollars, you better be sure to take care of that image.
Does Phelps even do endorsements? I assume he has some sort of deal with Speedo, perhaps, but I can’t think of a time I’ve seen him in a product ad. Only Olympics ads. But…I do not watch a lot of TV…
When you sell your image for millions of dollars, you better be sure to take care of that image.
Quite right, just ask Gene Simmons, when I was growing up my parents freaked when they saw my KISS records!! Who knew that KISS was just a brand name invented to make truck loads of money!! And Gene has done an awesome job to protect his image and keep that money rolling in!!
“There is the argument that Phelps, and for that matter, any public figure, is a role model and I do buy into that argument.”
This comes from the fact that the public gives quite a bit to celebrities. They are paid at a rate way beyond what their work is intrinsically worth. Praise, adulation, and adoration are heaped upon them. They live in beautiful houses, drive fantastic cars, date beautiful people, and are able to do all of that because of the support of the public. In return, the public expects a modicum of good behavior. I don’t really think that’s an unreasonable standard.
I agree, he should not apologize.
I’m amused and delighted that his sponsors appears to be pro weed =)
got links/quotes? Not much time for scanning the news this week…
Was it more they didn’t care, or that they said “it’s OK/ better than boozing”?
Their official statements are watered down nothing like all corporate BS is.
I don’t know what the people in charge really thinkg.
I agree, he should not apologize.
I’m amused and delighted that his sponsors appears to be pro weed =)
got links/quotes? Not much time for scanning the news this week…
Was it more they didn’t care, or that they said “it’s OK/ better than boozing”?
OK. I’m finding people’s reactions interesting.
I was surprised because Americans seem to get their panties in a bunch over pot. Everyone should have a gun, but no toking! Frankly, I was glad to see that the sponsors are kind of taking it for what it is.
It’s pretty easy to see that America was settled 500 years ago by religious fanatics, as we have the most uptight attitudes about drugs and sex – and, consequently, the unhealthiest attitudes toward both – in the world. They’ve been made out to be these big taboos, so the only way we know how to engage in them is excessively, followed by patent denials and hypocrisy (do as I say…), followed by tearful admissions and begging for forgiveness.
Kudos to Michael Phelps for owning up to it, but he shouldn’t have to because the stuff should be legal. I have far greater issues with his DUI four years ago than with this.