[vioppyskype]

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/swimmi...ory?id=3876804

TAMPA, Fla. -- Olympic great Michael Phelps has acknowledged "regrettable" behavior and "bad judgment" after a photo in a British newspaper showed him smoking marijuana. In a statement released to The Associated Press, the swimmer who won a record eight gold medals at the Beijing Games conceded the authenticity of the exclusive photo published Sunday by the tabloid News of the World. Phelps said: "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." An accompanying story in the tabloid said the photo was from a Nov. 6 party in South Carolina, a little more than a month after Phelps wrapped up his record haul in Beijing. Phelps was charged with driving under the influence in Maryland in 2004, when he was 19. He was sentenced to 18 months probation and fined $250. Under more flexible sanctions the World Anti-Doping Agency adopted for 2009, first-time offenders who commit particularly bad infractions can face suspensions of up to four years. The current standard for first-time offenders is a two-year ban no matter the violation.

[bestgenpower]

he can do whatever he wants

[gedsiz]

he can do whatever he wants

He needs to maximize his endorsement opportunities for as long as possible.

This is not the way to do that.

[BgpOoGI2]

He needs to maximize his endorsement opportunities for as long as possible.

This is not the way to do that.

psh he can be High Times man of the year 2009

[Rupeviv]

psh he can be High Times man of the year 2009

What does that pay?

[art_fan_12]

What does that pay?

i wouldnt know.

[TughEmotteTug]

He needs to maximize his endorsement opportunities for as long as possible.

This is not the way to do that.

I don't condone the pot smoking, nor do I sit here acting as if I never have tried it.

In the case of Phelps, here's a guy who has essentially trained nonstop for the better part of 8 years for two Olympic events, and a total of 14 medals.

It doesn't surprise me one bit that the guy wants to take a break from training, and could get himself into a little trouble along the way.

I do think the longer he stays away, the tougher it'll be to get back that focus, drive, and determination though.

As far as endorsements go, if Phelps never swam again, he already has enough cash in the bank to not have to worry for the rest of his life, financially speaking.

Of course there's still a ton of money out there to be had as well if he goes back to the Olympics, and continue to break records.

The mere fact that people were talking about a swimmer, and still are, is a true testament to just how amazing an Olympics he had.

[rozettasmolanov]

I think it's awesome.

Just imagine him getting the munchies.

[JetePlentuara]

The mere fact that people were talking about a swimmer, and still are, is a true testament to just how amazing an Olympics he had.

Yup.

Other than Usain Bolt, i don't think many people even remember who did what at this last Olympics other than Phelps. (Heck, i bet most can't even name one guy from our own US Olympic track team).

I give the guy a pass; there's waaay more upside to his story/life than downside.

[Gaxiciverfere]

Good for him.

[XzBZB2UV]

I give him a pass.

But I don't condone this, and he better be careful.

[merloermfgj]

Rob Kampia does have a point...I mean how many times has it been reported that someone killed someone by being high versus how many fatalities do we have in a year from DUI's? Plus, I bet they would have extended the contract if it wasn't for the little misshap. They cannot say it was just because the contract was running out. They freaked and did something rash. That's what PR is for. They should have thought longer before dropping the poor guy. Sucks!

[Patabeamn]

oh yeah...thanks for the article haha. Sorry I got so riled up. THanks

[cigsstorenick]

some thoughts:

Why isn't pot considered a performance enhancing drug?

This makes him more like a reall person.

and

If he was really that much of a stoner, he probably wouldn't have the lungs for swimming.

Anyways, weed is good for ya, only big Pharma and the conressmen they own keep it illegal.

[Pvfcadbh]

Oh and he had a DUI in 2004.

That, my friends, is far more serious and should have cost him $$$

it didn't.

[salomal-qask]

I think it's awesome.

Just imagine him getting the munchies.

He allready has to eat a ton when he is training. I remember them talking about what he has to eat, even during the Olympics. It's a crazy amount of calories.

Speedo has allready let him pass. Of course they would, who the hell else would they sponsor that people would know like Phelps. Not a big deal.

[w4WBthjv]

I think it's awesome.

Just imagine him getting the munchies.

You realize he was eating something ridiculous like 12,000 calories a day while at the olympics? I'd say this explains it now.

[EntectCelpelm]

I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again."

Smoking pot or getting caught?

[SkHukV3N]

This might get worse for him. I saw the South Carolina cops are considering charges against him now.

[Lymnempomma]

What a pussy, if he used a 6ft water bong i would be impressed