Excuses, Excuses: The Real Problem With Michael Phelps

You have to admit, the pictures of Michael Phelps smoking a bong are pretty funny at first glance. Here was a guy who's been on the cover of Sports Illustrated with EIGHT gold medals around his neck but his backwards cap and shaggy goatee make him seem like any post-college dude who is still couch surfing until he can afford his own place. And I almost gave him a free pass, figuring that he'd had earned the right to slack off a bit--until his apology made it clear that he felt like he was entitled to one.

When I heard his excuse I flashed back to 2004 when Phelps was arrested for a DUI. He was 19, fresh off his gold-medal wins at the Athens Olympics and the magazine where I was working was honoring him for being a role model for young people. But just before the award ceremony, Michael got loaded and got behind the wheel of his car. He was contrite and humble when he stepped on the stage in front of a dozen other young rising stars. He apologized then too for not being a better role model, and vowed to do better.

Even though it was the first play in standard PR crisis management, I believed him. And this summer he sparked young people's imaginations with his phenomenal Olympic performance. I even think everyone cheered a little when he was rumored to be dating a string of hot girls--he deserved it. But his real regrettable behavior is not smoking pot, it's that he excuses himself by saying that he was acting in a "youthful" way. He is not just another dude, he is a phenomenally talented guy who young people admire and model themselves after. We need to enforce the idea, that actions speak louder than words, and not let him off the hook just because he's young and he expects us too.

Comments

[Bardmess]

YEE gods and little catfishes, 17 Magazine is still 17.

A swimmer is a swimmer is a swimmer. Phelps is a great swimmer. Where's a champion going to get the money he needs to buy the time he needs to develop his talent. Ahh! Role Model duty. Reminds me of a story by James Thurber. Very funny.

[AZ85283]

The real problem in this country is that the average person's life is so dismal and unhappy that they're looking for anything to escape so they drug themselves with alcohol, pot and anything else they can get their hands on.Some of you drink or pop pills to calm your nerves, control your blood pressure, lose weight, get an erection, whatever. The only only difference is you think what you're doing is OK. But the thing your kids see is that you have a drink in your hand, or pills in pockets. Pot to them is no different --they just want to calm their nerves. To some who said pot leads to other drugs only if the person wants it to. That's like saying men going to a strip club means they will move toward cheating on their wives. Come on folks stop this madness about role models and heroes Instead of worrying about pot, you better be worrying about your kids sniffing glue and getting high from paint fumes. Drugs, pot, alcohol, most kids are just following the model behavior gleamed from their parents anyway. Of course for Ann, she's such a model person she never made a mistake so she can judge others. Remember what Jesus said, "he who is without sin cast the first stone." Until you can show that you have never made a mistake don't be so quick to judge others because some of your mistakes are far more serious.

[indywoman]

So, according to you, every famous person is a "role model"? That is ridiculous. I taught my kids that famous people are just the same as non-famous people. Some are smart and some are not. Some are role models and some are not.

The work ethic exhibited by Michael Phelps to attain those gold medals is phenomenal. What he does in his private life should be private. I hope the person who put that picture on the internet gets a horrible and painful disease. That person is evil.

Expecting anyone to be perfect is completely ridiculous. Its a standard that no one can meet. People throw around the term "role model" way too much. What does it mean, anyway?? Obviously MP is a role model of self discipline and good health. But, expecting him to live a perfect life is never going to happen. And to teach children that a "role model" is someone who lives a perfect life is a lie. It is better to teach children to think, and to decide for themselves what they think is right.

[javaz]

Thank you for this article.
Earlier, I happened to post an opinion on the actual article, in which I stated that Kellogg is within their rights in not renewing Phelps' contract, since most corporations have a moral clause, and Phelps broke the contract.
Whoa, I was attacked and vilified and I think even banned briefly, but after a few hours, I see that my replies are showing.
I've now gained a stalker!
I always thought liberals were supposed to be open-minded and willing to listen to others viewpoints, but I learned that the left has extremists that rival their counterparts on the right!
I've felt for a long time that the wealthy, celebrities and famous do have the attitude of entitlement, while at the same time, they accuse the poor and middle class of the same for collecting welfare or other benefits!
Now, that's the true hypocrisy of this story.

[stevebest]

I can understand Kellogg not signing a new contract i dont think they are trying to break his current contract with any morals clause. I can see the position that kelloggs is in and I am not upset that Micheal isnt the spokesman at Kellogg. I am upset with them get publicity by calling a press conference to announce that they arent signing a new contract and this is it. Like McDonalds I wont stop going to Mcdonalds if he isnt their spokesman but if they want to get some media attention to call him out and say they are firing him for this it is just far i dont want to support a campany that is that against occasional marijuna use.

[indywoman]

since when did the "wealthy, celebrities and famous accuse the poor and middle class of welfare entitlement"!!?! That is truly a stupid comment. Please share one example of this accusation...

[dajoho]

I hope I don't get disappointed, but I do see other young talented athletes on a world stage (Nadal, Federer, Jeter) who manage to understand their responsibility to fans and more importantly, to the companies from whom millions of dollars have flowed, and to conduct themselves with maturity and class. Phelps' age is a poor excuse. He deserves the consequences of his actions. Time to suck it up and lose the frat boy image.

[SwimJunky]

So whenever someone is good at something, they are required to conform to whatever standards society sets for them. Do I think he should be smoking pot? No, it's illegal. But I do think that he has the right to be his own person and make his own decisions and not have to base them on what image the media has projected him to have. Phelps has been a pretty hard partier for years, it's the parents' and media's fault that he has been elevated to this status of a role model. The problem I have with Kellogg is that they should have know this is who he is before signing him to that contract. Just because someone is good at something doesn't make them an ideal person in all respects.

[GetoffMylawn]

Ann Shoket, where on earth did you get these FREE PASSES? You must belong to the super secret Free Pass hand out society that was created over 2000 years ago by Julius Caesar. Oh would you please reconsider giving Phelps one of your special Free Passes.

[OppressThis]

Ann, I don't recall Phelps ever ASKING to be a role model - and that is the problem with celebrity and with magazines like 17. They put people on pedestals and freakin' hero worship these people but the fact is - they're just people. People make mistakes.

It isn't really fair that, just because someone else chose to look up to you, you are expected to be a certain way. Life doesn't work that way and quite frankly I think it's totally crap to put that on someone.

[betweenextremes]

I would partially agree with you if it wasn't for the fact that Michael Phelps is earning millions of dollars in endorsements. Like it or not, being a spokesperson and a role model is now his JOB. He is getting PAID to do it. He's not just any other young guy out there having fun. Michael Phelps is a brand. You can't have it both ways.

And finally and most importantly, Michael's mother is a principal of a middle school. What kind of example is Michael sending those kids?

[inoahnoah]

He is sending the message that pot is harmless. The best swimmer in the world can smoke it and still be at the top of his game. It's not like it's a performance enhancing drug. Get over it already. Put all your kids on xanax and ritalin, but bitch if they get caught smoking a little pot. This country is off the rails.

[zamiel]

Phelps broke the law, and kids looking up to him will want to start smoking that NASTY weed. God help America.

Everybody knows marijuana is a gateway drug that can lead to cocaine and/or heroin addiction. I wonder if Phelps was thinking about that while doing his hits.

Under a Palin administration we can surely get a handle on the world's drug problem. Phelps needs to turn his life over to Jesus as well.

[OppressThis]

you are completely ignorant and misinformed.

marijuana is not a gateway drug. the pharmaceutical industry pays for that misinformation to be out there so that you will buy their terrible drugs instead.

[EStreetShuffler]

You're right. No one has ever started smoking pot and then moved on to coke, ecstasy, meth, etc., for a greater high. That NEVER happens.

It's all the pharmaceutical industry, which by the way is probably making the blood pressure medication keeping your grandparents alive. You know, those "terrible drugs" that help people battle kidney disease, cancer, atherosclerosis, and countless other conditions.

[tck29]

Jesus is WAY more harmful than weed.

Jesus is a gateway to MANY MORE anti-social and harmful behaviors than weed.

Perhaps you shoudl try reading some other fairy tale books besides the bible...you may become enlightened...

[stevebest]

you are absolutly right the marijuana use isnt his problem his statement is. saying he acted in a youthfull way is insulting to marijuana users, Of course his apology seems insincere it is people like you expect an apology for what he does in a private residence you got it, but dont expect sincerity. If people want to look up to him fine but dont try and make him into something he isnt just for that porpouse. Kids have had no trouble looking up to George Washington in spite of his marijuana use and he never said he was sorry.

[Sunshine85]

I really don't know what the big deal is. The guy has bad luck. Everytime he has a good time someone snaps his picture. He needs to stay home.

[DawnK]

I haven't read this article but all this over Michael Phelps smoking pot is getting on my nerves. First off, he's human. If people aren't going to let him get away with this then how about we not let the Dallas Cowboys play next year. That whole damn team has gotten a pass on a lot worse.

[jhamm1]

You're absolutely right. How dare Phelps make "youthful" excuses for such unforgiveable behavior, for we all know the deadly effects of Marijuana, how it inflates the risk of lung cancer, heart disease and emphazema even among those exposed to secondary-pot, or how such substance has resulted in a horrendous amount of automobile fatalities. Oh, and let's not forget that 66 percent of all violent crimes are committed under the influence of that dreaded plant.

No, wait a minute....

[Sunshine85]

I would like to know where you get your facts. I'm sure that an alcoholic is more dangerous to the community than some lazy stoner. You forget to mention that most people smoking pot are also on other substances at the same time.

[inoahnoah]

Sunshine, the word is Sarcasm.

[RobinLandseadel]

. . . and remember, kiddies: Keed Spills!

[HUkid07]

I think it is an unfortunate situation that Mr. Phelps currently finds himself in however I do believe that he should be held accountable. It should not matter that he has won so many medals at an olympic game. he should be held to the same laws as anyone else in this country. we cannot allow ourselves to let things slide for people who have attained a level of status and success. all men(and women) should be held to the same laws as everyone else no matter what their accomplishments maybe.

Had this been any other young adult who had a similar history with the law, then there would be no question that this young adult should be held accountable for their actions. Frankly, Mr. Phelps already had one strike against him becuase of his dui and this would constitute strike two, so I think it is appropriate that he be held to the exact same standard that myself or any other young adult would be held to.

If we let some slide because of who they are or what they have accomplished and disregard the laws at hand then we have lost touch with the foundational beliefs of this country, in that all men are created equal and that justice is blind to race, status, money, connections and so on.

[Ocho Cinco]

Held accountable for what? Holding a bong to his lips while someone took his picture? There is nothing to "let slide"?

[inoahnoah]

Did you ever think that the laws should be changed. How many people would be left in your neighborhood if we locked up every person that ever smoked pot in their lives. This is a nation of hypocrites. Enjoy your booze and prescription meds! You can't watch 2 minutes of television without being bombarded by adds for those things, but smoke a bong and you should be locked up? Get over it!

[susierr]

This is why we MUST band together, join Norml and get this plant legalized!

[EStreetShuffler]

Yes, we need MORE legal options for people to impair their judgment. Do any of you people have young children? Little nieces and nephews? Do you want these kids growing up with easier access to pot? Really?

[JohnFromCensornati]

What planet are you from? It is already easily accessed. Why don't you take control of your kids and let adults do what adults do. You should be way more concerned about you kids drinking alcohol (which is legal BTW).

[Ocho Cinco]

It is much easier for kids to obtain pot than either alcohol or or cigarettes. What makes you think legalization would make things easier for them?

[stevebest]

NEWSFLASH Its the kids that sell marijuana now. Sentencing is easier if you are under 18 and kids are easy to controll. I dont have a problem finding marijuana just ask any high school kid he will get it for you and probably ask you to buy him beer, if you do run across a kid who narcs you off, as an adult you can just say you think the kid may be a drug dealer he was acting suspicios so i thought i would just ask him.

[NCRDIBULL]

Barack and congress will do their best to criminalize tobacco while trying to decriminalize ...a kid will get in more trouble and adults will be cited and fined for cigarettes but nothing for weed

[jhamm1]

Sounds reasonable to me.

[RobinLandseadel]

I second that motion. All in favor?

[inoahnoah]

Barack is a smoker. Don't think that's going to happen.