http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/images/gallery/drug-user_358x477.jpg

Michael Phelps is a better boyfriend than he is a swimmer.

With controversy swirling around girlfriend Caroline Pal and her racy photos, the Olympic champion has taken the focus off his oft-nude gal pal by getting himself photographed smoking marijuana.

The incident took place in November, months after Phelps captured eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics, at a University Of South Carolina house party. Said a witness:

“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."

What a competitor! Such intense drive is a necessary component for champions such as Phelps, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.

Over the weekend, Phelps apologized for the incident.

"I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment... I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner that people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public -- it will not happen again."

http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2009/02/michael-phelps-is-sorry-for-smoking-pot/

well at least it was a water bong.

:lol: I think the question is who doesn't smoke pot these days?

Let the overblown, unnecessary, pointless outrage begin!

well at least it was a water bong.
:brent

What's the big deal? Honestly?

:lol: I think the question is who doesn't smoke pot these days?
Plenty of people don't. Including me. Never have, never will. I will stick with chocolate!

Phelps is right when he said it was bad judgment. It sets a very bad example for children.

Oh, please. He's young, let him be that way. It's no big deal, just a little pot. It's not like he was hurting anyone.

:lol: I think the question is who doesn't smoke pot these days?

I haven't smoked pot in over 20 years. I can't now even if I wanted to because I have random drug testing at my job.

I guess I'm in the minority here but like Fleet said, it does send a bad example to children. This guy's a role model. Swimming classes increased 25% because of his Olympic achievement. I wouldn't be surprised if he loses some of his endorsements, too.

That's his business, who really cares? It's not like he's hurting anyone else with his action. Athletes aren't supposed to be role models anyway, that's a parent's job to be a role model to their children.

Plenty of people don't. Including me. Never have, never will. I will stick with chocolate!

Phelps is right when he said it was bad judgment. It sets a very bad example for children.

lol, I'm stickin' to chocolate too, Fleet... and I couldn't have said it better myself.:bighug: :thanks:

What's the big deal? Honestly?


I agree. It's really no big deal. As far as being a role model to kids is concerned, better him than Amy Winehouse.

That's his business, who really cares? It's not like he's hurting anyone else with his action. Athletes aren't supposed to be role models anyway, that's a parent's job to be a role model to their children.
People whose profession or athletic pursuits puts them in the public eye don't have choice about being a role model. Their fame makes them a role model whether they like it or not. What they do get to choose is whether they will be a good role model or a bad role model. Great fame and great achievement come with great responsibility. Mr. Phelps is learning that lesson now.

^ I agree. Being a role model comes with the territory.

People whose profession or athletic pursuits puts them in the public eye don't have choice about being a role model. Their fame makes them a role model whether they like it or not. What they do get to choose is whether they will be a good role model or a bad role model. Great fame and great achievement come with great responsibility. Mr. Phelps is learning that lesson now.
No one ever asked HIM if he wanted to be a role model.

He is a role model.
He's showing children that smoking weed through a bong is a lot better than paper rolled.

Kids must learn how the pros do it.

^^^^ :lol:

He is a role model.
He's showing children that smoking weed through a bong is a lot better than paper rolled.

Kids must learn how the pros do it.

Oh, Lord! lol:D

He is a role model.
He's showing children that smoking weed through a bong is a lot better than paper rolled.

Kids must learn how the pros do it.
That's horrible, but hilarious. :rofl:

Least it wasn't crack. http://www.imageurlhost.com/images/9bk6cf5g4oetcovmbwjx.jpg

^ :rofl:

Where's Charles with a photo/quote???

I cannot believe that some people think that this is OK. His endorsement contracts should be taken away, It is Illegal, period. Would people think that it was OK if he was shown wasted laying on the street, knocked out in a drunken stooper? Like another poster said, kids shouldn't look up to athletes as role models, but they do. Look at all of the kids who took up swimming after the Olympics only because Phelps won 9 metals. Remember the early 90's "Be like Mike" thing. What he did is not OK, and it's sad that some people think that it is.

^ Oh, I'm not endorsing it in any way...and he SHOULD lose his endorsements over this.

^ Oh, I'm not endorsing it in any way...and he SHOULD lose his endorsements over this.

I totally agree! I hate that one long, elaborate apology that someone else wrote for him gets him off the hook!
... and I was totally fooled... I thought he was such a smart guy... never capable of doing something this stupid.:(

I totally agree! I hate that one long, elaborate apology that someone else wrote for him gets him off the hook!
... and I was totally fooled... I thought he was such a smart guy... never capable of doing something this stupid.:(
It sounds more like we're talking about Bill Clinton. :eek: :lol:

I cannot believe that some people think that this is OK. His endorsement contracts should be taken away, It is Illegal, period. Would people think that it was OK if he was shown wasted laying on the street, knocked out in a drunken stooper? Like another poster said, kids shouldn't look up to athletes as role models, but they do. Look at all of the kids who took up swimming after the Olympics only because Phelps won 9 metals. Remember the early 90's "Be like Mike" thing. What he did is not OK, and it's sad that some people think that it is.
if i'm not mistaken, this was a candid moment that someone else leaked and wasn't intended to be seen by the public. celebrities shouldn't have to be good role models behind closed doors. if some friends want to take pictures intended for only them to see, that's their business. as a celebrity, there's a huge difference between doing drugs in private and in public.

The difference is Bill didn't inhale!!!(or so he claims!!:happyface )

It sounds more like we're talking about Bill Clinton. :eek: :lol:

lol, I know, right?:D
lol, Marvo.:lol:

if i'm not mistaken, this was a candid moment that someone else leaked and wasn't intended to be seen by the public. celebrities shouldn't have to be good role models behind closed doors. if some friends want to take pictures intended for only them to see, that's their business. as a celebrity, there's a huge difference between doing drugs in private and in public.
Wouldn't that be kind of hypocritical?

It would be like a celebrity saying he gives millions of dollars to charity each year and when his tax returns are released it shows he only donated $200.

It's not what you do in public that reveals your true character, its what you do behind closed doors.

if i'm not mistaken, this was a candid moment that someone else leaked and wasn't intended to be seen by the public. celebrities shouldn't have to be good role models behind closed doors. if some friends want to take pictures intended for only them to see, that's their business. as a celebrity, there's a huge difference between doing drugs in private and in public.

This isn't the first time he's gotten into trouble for doing something stupid. If you're in the public eye you have to act and present yourself in a certain way. Not everyone in that room or at that party was a friend of his. In the age of camera phones and digital camera's Celebs and athletes have to be careful. If you want to make money, act like it. It comes with the territory. He wasn't in the privacy of his own home, he was out in public doing something illegal and just plain dumb. And people think that since it is marijuana that it's OK? That is just sad

This isn't the first time he's gotten into trouble for doing something stupid. If you're in the public eye you have to act and present yourself in a certain way.

Tell that to the many bimbos in the spotlight; Hilton, Lohan, Spears...

Going out partying, binge drinking, wrecking cars with umbrellas, driving with suspended licenses; all that is tolerated but a little pot and OH NO!!!

Really says something about the morals of people as a whole. A little pot at a party, which is a minor offense, is not that big of a deal.

lol, I'm stickin' to chocolate too, Fleet... and I couldn't have said it better myself.:bighug: :thanks:
Yes, with chocolate available, why would he need anything else? :D

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e211/zoneboy/mp2.png

I'm not going to crucify the guy.

He made a dumb mistake, but he's not a bad guy.

If you want to talk about an athlete making awful decisions, look at Pacman Jones.

People whose profession or athletic pursuits puts them in the public eye don't have choice about being a role model. Their fame makes them a role model whether they like it or not. What they do get to choose is whether they will be a good role model or a bad role model. Great fame and great achievement come with great responsibility. Mr. Phelps is learning that lesson now.The gist of what I was saying is that athletes shouldn't be viewed as role models at all, because they aren't, they are just people who engage in sport, nothing more. They have their own private lives and really don't owe anyone any standard of conformity. Real role models are parents, teachers and others that live in the real world, they have what it takes to set good examples.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e211/zoneboy/mp2.png
:brent

Would people think that it was OK if he was shown wasted laying on the street, knocked out in a drunken stooper? .


But he wasn't - that's like comparing apples to oranges. If someone is that drunk then they obviously have an alcohol problem. Not that it was, but who knows - this could have been the first time Phelps ever even used grass and someone set him up.

Frankly I think it's very little of a headline maker, and already the media are playing it up more than it is. It's not like he was taking hits just before the Olympics or anything. He's on his down time and what he does is his own business. If that means losing endorsement deals now, then so be it.

Hell to me, if anything, this makes him seem all the more a miracle athelete - the fact that he can smoke grass and still pull off that many medals? Amazing!

It might still be illegal, but you'd be absolutely shocked to know the number of people who smoke in privacy on their off time. Like anything else, as long as it's used in moderation, it hurts no one.

Like anything else, as long as it's used in moderation, it hurts no one.

I agree. In my opinion cigarettes are worst than marijuana anyday. Now it looks like they are trying to press charges against him. :rolleyes:

-----------------

http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlny/original/6_3_michael_phelps.jpg

SC sheriff is investigating Phelps' pot pipe photo
54 minutes ago

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina authorities in the county where Michael Phelps was spotted smoking from a marijuana pipe say they are considering a criminal charge against the Olympic superstar.

Lt. Chris Cowan said Tuesday that Richland County sheriff's investigators are gathering more information about the photo, which showed the swimmer inhaling from a marijuana pipe.

Cowan did not specify what charge was being considered and declined to discuss details of the investigation.

The photograph was first shown in a British tabloid Sunday. News of the World said the picture was taken during a November house party while Phelps was visiting the University of South Carolina.

Phelps and his advisers did not dispute the photo's authenticity. He has issued a public apology.

GoogleNews

-------------------------------

^ unbelieveable! If they do press charges, I'm sure they'll be thrown out in court. My God, it's not like he's been the first. We have plenty of Olympic snowboarders here in B.C. and it's widely known that they use pot. Big freakin' deal. No different than having a few beers on their downtime.

If they do that, then what's next - screening all Olympic athletes during their entire careers? Even when not competing? Give the guy a break.

My father was an alcoholic, and I vividly remember my mom sitting us down saying that if we HAD to do anything, she'd rather it be the pot as it's less harmful - not only to ourselves, but to our families. If I had to live with either a drunk or a pothead, I'd take the pothead anyday.

There's a drug called Salvia, So I guess if Phelps were to smoke that as long as it's taken in moderation then it's OK? Even though that drug is legal BUT it makes a person Hallucinate alters their state of mind, It's a plant or a weed. If he were my son, I would be sorely disappointed. There are people who are addicted to weed, and who smoke it daily, the same with people who drink alcohol or smoke Salvia.

And now Phelps could face criminal charges. Is it still OK? Is it still all fun and games?

There's a drug called Salvia, So I guess if Phelps were to smoke that as long as it's taken in moderation then it's OK? Even though that drug is legal BUT it makes a person Hallucinate alters their state of mind, It's a plant or a weed. If he were my son, I would be sorely disappointed. There are people who are addicted to weed, and who smoke it daily, the same with people who drink alcohol or smoke Salvia.

And now Phelps could face criminal charges. Is it still OK? Is it still all fun and games?

I'll reply to the Salvia later.

Right now though, what exactly would they charge Phelps with? Possession - no - a cop has to find it on you or in your vehicle or home. Trafficking? nope - he wasn't selling the stuff or buying. Using? So what charge would that be? There isn't one for that - they can only charge with possession, trafficking or cultivating. He was never caught by a police officer so there's no charges that will ever stick even though he admitted using.

Meanwhile, if the media and parents weren't making such a huge deal about this, no one would have ever known it took place.

O.k., now to address the Salvia. First of all, because it IS legal we're talking apples and oranges here. There are plenty of legal drugs that make you hallucinate - but again, you hallucinate when they're abused and taking too much.

Same with salvia. I found some on the property at work a while back and immediately turned it in to HR. I didn't even know what it was - thought it could be peyote, heroin, mesc, whatever. The VP knew immediately what it was because most of our plant workers were from Southeast Asia where it's use is widespread. Apparently they dilute it in liquid (usually their tea) so they can stay awake (hello....do I hear Red Bull)? If it's over-used it can cause hallucinations. That I don't agree with - unless you're on your own time and it doesn't interfere with your job. I would never condone anyone using grass on the job either.

It's like I know people who had bad reactions to pot too - some seem to be more affected by it than others. If that's the case they shouldn't use it. It's like me, alcohol is fully legal, but I get a bad effect off of it if I have more than two drinks at a time. It's called knowing your limit.

And btw, the Canadian government (don't know about the U.S.) is now considering making it illegal. Even at that, the reports I heard it's been sold in Asian stores "under the counter" as it is. So if it's legal, why are these stores hiding it behind their counters?

Jesus called, he wants his cross back, so get off of it.

Micheal is ONLY human. Cut him some slack. Who CARES if he smoked a little bit of weed?! It's his business!

I'll reply to the Salvia later.

Right now though, what exactly would they charge Phelps with? Possession - no - a cop has to find it on you or in your vehicle or home. Trafficking? nope - he wasn't selling the stuff or buying. Using? So what charge would that be? There isn't one for that - they can only charge with possession, trafficking or cultivating. He was never caught by a police officer so there's no charges that will ever stick even though he admitted using.

Meanwhile, if the media and parents weren't making such a huge deal about this, no one would have ever known it took place.

The reason he might be charged is that he was doing something Illegal on a University/School grounds. It is illegal to have any kind of narcotics on school property and the fact that he was photographed smoking it, that is the reason why he might face charges. It is illegal.

Jesus called, he wants his cross back, so get off of it.





:brent: I've never heard that one before! It's great - I love it!! :rofl:


OMG - I just had another thought - Jesus was seen drinking and pouring wine....a LOT! What a bad influence that would be on all the little children!!

A bootlegging Jesus.....tsk...tsk!!!

:brent: I've never heard that one before! It's great - I love it!! :rofl:


OMG - I just had another thought - Jesus was seen drinking and pouring wine....a LOT! What a bad influence that would be on all the little children!!

A bootlegging Jesus.....tsk...tsk!!!
:lol: Everyone thought Jesus was a horrible person back in the day; claiming to be the son of God and whatnot, but now He's the object of worship?

People just need to leave him be. No one asked HIM if he wanted kids to look up to him. Phelps didn't ask for that, everyone pinned that on him. He could be doing things that are A LOT worse.

O.k., now to address the Salvia. First of all, because it IS legal we're talking apples and oranges here. There are plenty of legal drugs that make you hallucinate - but again, you hallucinate when they're abused and taking too much.

Same with salvia. I found some on the property at work a while back and immediately turned it in to HR. I didn't even know what it was - thought it could be peyote, heroin, mesc, whatever. The VP knew immediately what it was because most of our plant workers were from Southeast Asia where it's use is widespread. Apparently they dilute it in liquid (usually their tea) so they can stay awake (hello....do I hear Red Bull)? If it's over-used it can cause hallucinations. That I don't agree with - unless you're on your own time and it doesn't interfere with your job. I would never condone anyone using grass on the job either.

It's like I know people who had bad reactions to pot too - some seem to be more affected by it than others. If that's the case they shouldn't use it. It's like me, alcohol is fully legal, but I get a bad effect off of it if I have more than two drinks at a time. It's called knowing your limit.

And btw, the Canadian government (don't know about the U.S.) is now considering making it illegal. Even at that, the reports I heard it's been sold in Asian stores "under the counter" as it is. So if it's legal, why are these stores hiding it behind their counters?

In the 60's LSD was legal until people started to kill themselves, and folks actually saw how dangerous that drug was. So it just a matter of time before Salvia will become illegal. It has to take people dying before something dangerous becomes illegal. And I think that the reason stores are keeping it behind counters, so that minors can't get a hold to it easily, people have the tendency to take/steal things. I wouldn't want my daughter to walk into a convenience store and buy a drug that I know is harmful just because it's legal.

They keep it in huge open container bins - similar to those that hold oil and bulk food and it's sold in baggies like weed is. It's hardly marketing like cigarettes or even being packaged properly so yes, isn't surprising one bit that they'll make it illegal.

Unfortunately your comparison of LSD doesn't work either. (1) Name me one person who's death was ruled entirely because of marijuana and that's how they made it illegal. and (2) With that convaluted thinking, then alcohol would REALLY be illegal - not only does it kill thousands each year, but other people as well from the drunk drivers, bar fights, etc. and it should have been made illegal way back in the days of Christ - or Moses for that matter. Yet I've even to see a warning label on booze like what's on cigarettes.

In the 60's LSD was legal until people started to kill themselves, and folks actually saw how dangerous that drug was. So it just a matter of time before Salvia will become illegal. It has to take people dying before something dangerous becomes illegal. And I think that the reason stores are keeping it behind counters, so that minors can't get a hold to it easily, people have the tendency to take/steal things. I wouldn't want my daughter to walk into a convenience store and buy a drug that I know is harmful just because it's legal.

kids shouldn't look up to athletes as role models

I think it's fine for kids to looks to athletes as role models. If the kids are interested in sports themselves then they're going to admire certain athletes that they think are talented. And there are some athletes who are good role models - Pete Sampras, for instance, strikes me as a pleasant person.

The Bee Gees are great too. They're not athletes of course. Although in his later years Maurice was really into paintballing. Miss you, Maurice!

I think it's fine for kids to looks to athletes as role models. If the kids are interested in sports themselves then they're going to admire certain athletes that they think are talented. And there are some athletes who are good role models - Pete Sampras, for instance, strikes me as a pleasant person.

The Bee Gees are great too. They're not athletes of course. Although in his later years Maurice was really into paintballing. Miss you, Maurice!
Barry and Andy were both very good tennis players as well. :nod:

Barry and Andy were both very good tennis players as well. :nod:


As I recall, Samantha played tennis and looked fantastic in the little tennis dresses! ;) Lord knows what Dr. Bombay gave her in those drinks too!

As I recall, Samantha played tennis and looked fantastic in the little tennis dresses! ;) Lord knows what Dr. Bombay gave her in those drinks too!
There you go. :lol:

They keep it in huge open container bins - similar to those that hold oil and bulk food and it's sold in baggies like weed is. It's hardly marketing like cigarettes or even being packaged properly so yes, isn't surprising one bit that they'll make it illegal.

Unfortunately your comparison of LSD doesn't work either. (1) Name me one person who's death was ruled entirely because of marijuana and that's how they made it illegal. and (2) With that convaluted thinking, then alcohol would REALLY be illegal - not only does it kill thousands each year, but other people as well from the drunk drivers, bar fights, etc. and it should have been made illegal way back in the days of Christ - or Moses for that matter. Yet I've even to see a warning label on booze like what's on cigarettes.

I was comparing LSD to Salvia not Marijuana. A drug is a drug, and if you are in the public eye it is stupid as hell for you to do those type of things in public, plain and simple. I’m sorry but I do not condone the use of narcotics no matter what the drug is, wrong is wrong, illegal is illegal.

Phelps apologized for the incident, said he regretted it and it would never happen again, so it kinda makes no sense for his apologists to take up his cause. Personally, I can't believe he was so stupid, to (illegally) smoke publicly like that. :crazy: When a person's in the limelight, there's always people looking to take them down. Whether you agree with it or not, weed is illegal. Phelps can do whatever he wants. That's his right; but actions have consequences, and there are going to be people who reject him over it. That's their right. I also think Phelps wants to be a role model. I lost track over the pictures I saw of him with young kids in pools, promoting swimming and physical fitness. I'm sorry, the guy's just stupid for doing that. First a DUI and now this.

^ When did he get busted for DUI? I don't remember that.

^ When did he get busted for DUI? I don't remember that.

I remember hearing about that. I think it was a few years ago though.

I remember hearing about that. I think it was a few years ago though.
Thanks - no wonder I don't remember hearing about it. :lol:

Thanks - no wonder I don't remember hearing about it. :lol:

I just looked it up, it was 2004.

^ When did he get busted for DUI? I don't remember that.

It happened back in November 2004.

He had probation, a fine, and had to speak at MADD meetings.

It happened back in November 2004.

He had probation, a fine, and had to speak at MADD meetings.

Ooops. Well, there you go!!:D

It happened back in November 2004.

He had probation, a fine, and had to speak at MADD meetings.
So glad he learned his lesson. :rolleyes:

So glad he learned his lesson. :rolleyes:
Really. Maybe now he can speak at NA meetings. Work his way through them all, lol. The thing is that if he wants to party and smoke pot, which is illegal, that's his perogative. I'm not making a statement on whether pot should be legalized or not as that's the discussion here. I'm simply saying that if Phelps wants to present himself as a wholesome idol that young people aspire to be, then drinking and driving, and getting your picture snapped with a bong isn't the way to go. He can't have it both ways. The public decides. I don't care if he pops Vicodin for kicks. Just don't act like the boy next door when you're not. I'm waiting for the Photoshop of Phelps on a box of Wheaties, with a bong. Charles?

Really. Maybe now he can speak at NA meetings. Work his way through them all, lol. The thing is that if he wants to party and smoke pot, which is illegal, that's his perogative. I'm not making a statement on whether pot should be legalized or not as that's the discussion here. I'm simply saying that if Phelps wants to present himself as a wholesome idol that young people aspire to be, then drinking and driving, and getting your picture snapped with a bong isn't the way to go. He can't have it both ways. The public decides. I don't care if he pops Vicodin for kicks. Just don't act like the boy next door when you're not. I'm waiting for the Photoshop of Phelps on a box of Wheaties, with a bong. Charles?
Exactly my point. You can't have your cake and eat it, too.

So glad he learned his lesson. :rolleyes:

Actually, this incident is a lot less serious than the 2004 incident. Speaking strictly in terms of charges of course.

Actually, this incident is a lot less serious than the 2004 incident. Speaking strictly in terms of charges of course.
True. But since he was smoking pot out in public, he was asking for it.

Personally I see nothing wrong with smoking pot. I'd rather he smoked a joint than down a fifth of Jack.

Personally I see nothing wrong with smoking pot. I'd rather he smoked a joint than down a fifth of Jack.
Well, it's illegal for one thing.
And as I mentioned before, whether he wants to be or not, he is role model for many children and sets a very bad example by using any illegal drug.

You can bet Howdy Doody never used illegal drugs!

I think I heard that he was going to lose his Kellogg's deal. Anyone else hear that? :confused:

Yes. He's losing his Kellogg's deal and was suspended for three months by the governing body for swimming in the U.S.

Yes. He's losing his Kellogg's deal and was suspended for three months by the governing body for swimming in the U.S.
I think he got off easy.

I think he got off easy.
agreed!