Michael Phelps Bong Picture: Olympic Champion Caught Smoking Marijuana: UPDATED

***UPDATED February 5th, 10:20PM***

Michael Phelps was suspended from competition for three months by USA Swimming in the wake of the photo that showed the Olympic record-setting champion inhaling from a marijuana pipe.

The Associated Press reports:

The sport's national governing body also cut off its financial support to Phelps for the same three-month period, effective Thursday.

"This is not a situation where any anti-doping rule was violated, but we decided to send a strong message to Michael because he disappointed so many people, particularly the hundreds of thousands of USA Swimming member kids who look up to him as a role model and a hero," the Colorado Springs-based federation said in a statement.

***UPDATED February 5th, 5:20PM***
In an interview with a Baltimore TV station Thursday Phelps was asked about rumors that he would not compete in the 2012 Olympics in London. He avoided giving a clear answer, saying only that it would be "good to get back in the water."

In another TV interview Phelps was asked if he had "stopped all drugs now" to which he repeated his claim that he doesn't routinely take drugs, pointing out that he is drug tested all the time.

***UPDATED February 5th, 4:00PM*** Extra interviews Phelps and the Olympian firmly denies that he takes drugs, suggesting that the notorious photo of him smoking from a bong was a one-time lapse of judgment:

"Extra" has obtained an interview with Michael Phelps and the swimming phenomenon states, "I don't take drugs. I get drug tested all the time. You look at the records and you can see."

Phelps says it's in difficult times like these that you find out who your true supporters are.

***UPDATED February 3rd, 5:47PM***
HuffPost's Marcus Baram reports: If Michael Phelps is arrested, it would be a rarity in the recent history of drug prosecutions in Richland County, South Carolina.

Doug Strickland, the head of the Richland County Public Defender's office, told Huffington Post that in his 21 years as a public defender, he could not recall a case where someone was criminally charged with drug possession based on photographic evidence and an admission of non-specific wrongdoing.

"I cannot think of an instance where it's happened," said Strickland, pointing out that Phelps has not even confessed to possessing mariiuana, simply acknowledging "regrettable" behavior and "bad judgment."

"You have to prove that he possessed it and a photograph is not enough - If you wanted to press the issue, he could go out and locate who was there and squeeze them. That's a lot of effort for a misdemeanor that carries a fine of 30 days in jail or $500."

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott, who is known for a tough stance on drugs, rose through the ranks soon after the TV series "Miami Vice" hit the airwaves.

And he played the part, reports the Associated Press, wearing stylish suits and driving a Porsche.

***UPDATED February 3rd, 9:05AM*** Michael Phelps has so far emerged unscathed from the controversy created by the photo showing him smoking from a bong, with his sponsors still standing behind him. However, he still could face criminal charges if it's determined that he was smoking marijuana, which shouldn't be too difficult considering there's a photo and Phelps has already confessed:

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott says he will charge Michael Phelps with a crime if he determines the Olympics hero smoked marijuana in Richland County...

...Possession of marijuana is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail or a $570 fine, plus court costs.

But Lott seems to be the only person talking about making a case against Phelps. Both the USC and Columbia Police Departments said they would not pursue charges.

***UPDATED February 1st, 1:30PM*** Michael Phelps has acknowledged that the photo showing him smoking marijuana from a bong is real. He released this statement:

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.

EARLIER: Olympic Champion Michael Phelps, who vaulted to international stardom during the 2008 Summer Olympics by winning a record eight gold medals in swimming, has been caught in a very compromising position, according to a report by the British paper News of the World.

The paper has a photo of Phelps smoking from a bong, a water pipe normally used for smoking marijuana. (View the photo here.) The alleged photo was taken at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, where Phelps was visiting a female student who he was secretly seeing. The paper's anonymous source relates that Phelps partied hard each night he was there, which is not out of keeping with other reports of the Olympian since his swimming triumphs.

News of the World also makes the very provocative claim that people representing Phelps tried to snuff out the story and offered the paper extraordinary incentives not to publish.

For all things Michael Phelps, check out HuffPost's Michael Phelps BigNews Page.

 

Comments

[research]

05:06 PM on 02/13/2009

The pot war is a war on liberals.

Nixon and the FBI conspired to target liberals using pot laws as an excuse.

DuPont got the original pot laws enacted to sell nylon against hemp rope to the Navy(the navy got a wavier anyway.)

[tnresident]

02:27 PM on 02/12/2009

PS. That's a nice bong.

[Atticus23]

01:17 PM on 02/12/2009

I am a swimmer and I have never looked up to Phelps I a knowlage his acomplishments but he has always been a cocky kid. But then again he has so much money that he can afford anything.

[RaRah]

10:02 AM on 02/11/2009

Kellogg's is still selling Michael Phelps Posters!!!!!!!!!!:

See:
http://www2.kelloggs.com/Promotion/PromotionDetail.aspx?PID=15596

[acidon]

12:04 AM on 02/11/2009

Yeah Pot is a very potent and it's an illegal substance in US. Many things been said and many opinions exist about legalizing it

or not?

As of right now its still an open, undecided question. And while many waiting for resolution, you can either do what your stars(

Nicole, Paris, Linsey, Britney, Brad, Phelps) do and ignore the law or you can try smoking something legal, or quit.

For those of you still seeking for new spiritual experiences I would recommend a Legal Herbal Smoking of such herbs as Salvia,

Kanna, Wild Dagga, etc;)

More info on topic here: http://www.down-the-pipe.com/pages.php?pageid=2

You can also find there everything youll need to start smoking legal herbs and mixtures, pipes, bongs, and accessories;)

Hope this will help;)

[iblogleft]

10:02 AM on 02/11/2009

You cannot be serious. Have you ever smoked Cannabis?

[Acleacius]

10:10 PM on 02/09/2009

I think everyone who smokes pot, should boycott kellogg and subsidiaries. I am guessing thats what 40 million people, they would totally freak out. :)

[iblogleft]

02:31 PM on 02/10/2009

We are. Now we have to organize a protest of the town, and bring in attorneys to remove the town armored personnel carrier and .50 caliber machine gun.

[yankeetwo]

02:38 AM on 02/09/2009

It should be noted that Kellogg's decision to cut Phelps over this silly little incident has nothing to do with the morality of using drugs. It has everything to do with its bottom line. Kellogg doesn't want to be associated with a behavior which has been persistently and dishonestly demonized by the US government for 75 years. It does not want to risk alienating that fraction of its paying customers who have bought into this propaganda. The Kellogg corporation doesn't care that Phelps smoked (or appeared to smoke) pot. All it cares about is maximizing the profits of its stockholders. The fact is, most of Kellogg's products cause far more demonstrable harm than marijuana ever will! I am looking forward to the day when this madness ends, and marijuana will finally and once again be legal for American adults to use responsibly.

[yankeetwo]

02:02 AM on 02/09/2009

Michael Phelps is just another good example demonstrating that marijuana does not harm one's health or cause "anti-motivational syndrome." Phelps' health is enviable, his drive and determination are strong, and his work ethic and motivation are unmatched. Consider that with the fact of several recent US presidents, including Barack Obama, having used pot and succeeding extremely well. Pot is not associated with violence or accidents, either.

Government propaganda lies, and the War on Drugs is a travesty of justice! Marijuana is the most benign recreational drug one could ask for, and it should be legal for free American adults to use responsibly. The question is, are we even half as free as the government would like us believe?

[Sara Olvera]

05:43 PM on 02/08/2009

What does everyone mean by "He smoked pot, so what?" It's illegal, and for him to get only three months of not being able to swim as a punishment is just wrong!!-does this mean we should all just go and do drugs in hope that our punishment will be the same. . Yes, everyone makes mistakes, but come on, this guy is suppose to be a leader. He has children, teens, and even adults that look up to him. He is an icon for our country. He should put a good example. Just another celebrity that turns to drugs. Michael Phelps is a dissappointment to all swimmers.

[yankeetwo]

02:25 AM on 02/09/2009

I also say "so what if its illegal?" When the law is obviously unjust, when it infringes upon inborn human and personal rights, when the only reason to obey it is because its the law, then civil disobedience is in order. Marijuana is the most benign and useful recreational drug yet discovered. Even smoked, it causes no serious diseases, and is not causally associated with real crime, violence or accidents. It would even seem to have myriad medical uses. The marijuana laws unjustly trample upon that oft-proclaimed freedom Americans are supposed to enjoy, do a tremendous amount of harm themselves, and are a truly serious travesty of justice.

[slarabee]

02:30 PM on 02/10/2009

South Carolina Marijuana Laws:
http://norml.org/index.cfm?wtm_view=&Group_ID=4563

Want to spit hairs? Okay.

Usage is not a defined crime in South Carolina where the incident took place. Meaning without a possession charge he cannot be charged with a crime. Meaning that by "smoking pot" he did not break the law.

Now go get a life Sgt. Stedanko.

[StuntDummy]

12:43 PM on 02/08/2009

Kellogg is basically saying:

Winning record breaking number of gold medals is not consistent with the image of Kellogg BUT peddling sugar loaded crap to the masses and getting richer and richer while our consumers slowly develop Type 2 diabetes IS consistent with the image of Kellogg.

If I have to choose between Tony the Tiger and Michael Phelps... I choose Phelps.

That's why I have decided to boycott all Kellogg products. With the recession on, I can easily do this since I buy most of my foods and goods from local farmers and Trader Joe's now.

I hope the CEO of Kelloggs chokes to death on that foot in his mouth and fades into obscurity.

[AnswerToJob]

03:31 PM on 02/08/2009

Don't forget to include Kashi, UNFORTUNATELY acquired by Kelloggs in 2000, also Morningstar Vegan products and Gardenberger. Just say no.

Actually for some REAL entertainment, google Kelloggs founder John Harvey Kellogg, the dude is a total freak.

[AnswerToJob]

05:05 PM on 02/08/2009

Gotta add BareNaked Granola, recently purchased under the Kashi Brand.

[Brad Seraphin]

05:19 PM on 02/07/2009

Compare Phelps to Lil Wayne on the same topics... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ir2RTtxNP5c

[papamclemore]

05:15 PM on 02/07/2009

Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. Michael, you hang in there baby. There is no living being that has not made some kind of mistake. There are millions of us standing behind you. Even Presidents (ahem) make mistakes and many are cleared. You may not see this comment, but at least I know I have made my fellings known.

Friend for Life.

[barriosbabe]

04:44 PM on 02/07/2009

I really hate that fact that he apologized! Shows how mercenary he is. Otherwise he'd like do his own thing and tell people to bug@er off. Pot. BFD.

[Paolo Marra-Biggs]

01:40 PM on 02/07/2009

As a marijuana-smoker myself, I can feel the strain of physical activity when high. It is harder; on your lungs, your stamina and your muscles. But being able to win 14 gold medals while having formerly smoked pot is amazing. He should be given another medal just for that.

[CertainQuirk]

08:22 PM on 02/06/2009

I knew it! Michael Phelps is a lowlife criminal. He ought to be in jail... maybe even waterboarded.

(Oh, wait, that's just terrorists, right? Or maybe we should make an exception because he has ruined millions of children's lives now.)

Anyway, if you let Kellogg's know that you're going to boycott them (see the post below for contact info), be sure to drop the USA Swim Team an email as well!

Contact USA Swimming

USA Swimming
1 Olympic Plaza
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

[e-mail]

[SoccerFreak16]

03:16 PM on 02/07/2009

Wow you are rediculous!! Phelps smoked pot. BIG DEAL there are millions of people smoking pot and it's not horrible if you use it right I have experienced it and as long as you keep up your motivation physical strength and personality it is fine. People I know go to school high and get straight A's and 24's on the ACT. Just becuase famous people do stuff doesn't mean it's right but seriously he shouldn't get punished for it because there are people all over the US who have done it and they should be in trouble just like phelps is. Everyone makes big deals about celebrities doing stuff. Just leave them alone and let them do what they want. He isn't a lowlife criminal. All he did was chill and smoke pot!