Michael Phelps Smoking Pot Pictures, Apology and Possible Consequences

Michael Phelps issued this well-worded statement regarding the scandalous photo above.

“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.”

Phelps went to the University of South Carolina's football game on Nov. 6. where he received a big ovation when introduced to the crowd. He later hit up a college house party. The incident took place nearly three months after the Beijing Olympics when Phelps was taking a long break from training.

Phelps also was in Tampa, Fla., during Super Bowl week on behalf of a sponsor, but left the city before Sundays game when he planned on being at the stadium for the Super Bowl.

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.

“That said, we realize that none among us is perfect. We hope that Michael can learn from this incident and move forward in a positive way.”

Phelps was part of a group of elite athletes who agreed to take part in a pilot testing program designed to increase the accuracy of doping tests. His spot in the program could be at risk, said Travis Tygart, head of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.

“We are confident that, going forward, Michael will consistently set the type of example we all expect from a great Olympic champion,” the group said.

Also noteworthy is that Phelps has never tested positive for banned substances. This case is unlikely to fall under any doping rules. However, Phelps' consequences will most likely be financial from the sponsors that may be embarrassed and choose to distance themselves from the talented athlete with the janked up mug.

UK tabloid NOTW does NOT allege that Phelps was smoking herb - that's because they know the world will be upset at Dolphin Boy and them for effing with his career. Without a doubt, Phelps will continue to keep competing because he gets people to watch the Olympics, and generally speaking, he's just simply worth too much.

On a sidenote: I heard some legislator dude (not researching right now) is trying to pass a law so that cell phones make a sound when a picture is taken. On behalf of public figures and anyone who has been victimized by some scandalous photos, I fully support the bill and I hope it passes.

Alright, I found the info via Wired magazine,

A new bill introduced in the Congress by New York Republican Rep. Peter King requires mobile phones with digital cameras "to make a sound" when a photograph is taken.

The move is part of the 'Camera Phone Predator Alert Act' and the idea is to ensure privacy and safety of the public, especially children, claims the bill.

If enacted the bill would require any mobile phone in the US to make a sound "audible within a reasonable radius of the phone whenever a photograph is taken with the camera in such phone." A mobile phone manufactured after the date the bill is enacted will have no way of disabling or silencing the sound.

The idea is not as astounding as it seems. Japan already requires all cameraphones including the iPhone to make an audible noise when taking a photograph.



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