Just say no to Michael Phelps
By now, you've seen the photo of Michael Phelps smoking marijuana, so I'm not going to post it again here. But I am asking myself a serious question. One that the public, his sponsors, and the IOC should be asking themselves, why the free pass?
In less than 24 hours after the pictures were released, all was well between Phelps, the IOC, and most of Phelp's sponsors. How can that be? He's the single most recognizable athlete to young Americans, and they are going to condone him doing drugs? I'm sorry, but I'm calling bull shit on this one. I can't help but wonder, if it wasn't Phelps, if it was a black sprinter, or a Clinton Portis, what would be happening to them right now?
My guess is they would be dropped like a hot potato from their sponsors and facing punishment from the IOC or the NFL. They may also be labeled trouble makers or hoodlums.
Charles Barkley lost his job for getting a DUI last month. This latest incident with Phelps just adds to his resume. He had a DWI back in 2004, now he's smoking pot. The SI Sportsman of the year, the guy on children's cereal boxes, and the guys kids are immolating right now at a pool near you.
With every week after the Olympics past, Phelps was seen somewhere partying. New York City, Miami Beach, or Vegas. I don't think that's the type of role model our children of today need. I liked Phelps, and I rooted for him for 2 weeks last summer. But I'm gonna pass on grass, no free rides from me.
I'll just leave you with this. If your child sits down in front of a computer today and googles Michael Phelps, what are they going to see?
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1 comment:
thats ridiculous... Your saying because phelps is white he didnt get in trouble? That is just bs. He is a kid...23 years old. And yes he is supposed to be a role model and he is, but there has to be a part of him that wants to be a regular 23 year old. As a swimmer i know how hard it is. You train and train and train for months and years for one opportunity. You dont go out, you dont eat fast food, you dont do anything you want to do. Then when your competition is over you want to be a normal kid again. People freak out that phelps smoked pot...who hasnt. People need to respect these athletes for what then do in their athletic realm. I dont care if hes doing lines off of strippers tits in some hotel room. Its his job to swim fast and he did it, some celebration and yes some occasional marijuana use is not a big deal. Charles Barkley himself would tell you (and he has) "I am not a role model" Neither is phelps. He is just a guy who can swim fast. admire him for that.
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