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Michael Phelps Smokes Weed
Steve Russell, Photographer
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Toronto | ON | Canada | Posted: 5:07 PM on 02.01.09 |
->> From the first story, "An athlete is subject to WADA sanctions only for a positive test that occurs during competition periods."
I think he is okay! |
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Chris Stanfield, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Atlanta | GA | USA | Posted: 5:09 PM on 02.01.09 |
->> "Marijuana is viewed differently from performance-enhancing drugs, according to David Howman, executive director of the World Anti-Doping Agency. An athlete is subject to WADA sanctions only for a positive test that occurs during competition periods.
“We don’t have any jurisdiction,” Howman said. “It’s not banned out of competition. It’s only if you test positive in competition.”
Read above. Where does it say he'll be banned? |
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Corey Perrine, Photographer
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Hudson | NH | USA | Posted: 5:10 PM on 02.01.09 |
| ->> Oh good. I hope this little stumble doesn't wreck his image. |
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Corey Perrine, Photographer
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Hudson | NH | USA | Posted: 5:14 PM on 02.01.09 |
| ->> P.S. My apologies for any false hype. I need to read rather than skim the articles. |
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Matthew Williams, Photographer
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Nashville | TN | USA | Posted: 5:55 PM on 02.01.09 |
| ->> That has got to be the worst subject line ever.....the post is close behind. |
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Monty Rand, Photographer
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Bangor | ME | USA | Posted: 8:14 PM on 02.01.09 |
| ->> Who cares? |
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Fraser Britton, Photographer
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Ste Anne de Bellevue | QC | Canada | Posted: 9:20 PM on 02.01.09 |
| ->> Michael Phelps smokes week and most of the rest of the population drinks alcohol and smokes cigarettes. What's your point? |
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Mark Peters, Photographer
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Highland | IL | USA | Posted: 9:57 PM on 02.01.09 |
->> "Who cares"
My guess is that all of the corporations that give him millions to endorse their products do - and likely have their legal staffs reviewing the moral turpitude provisions of their contracts with him.
It's notable that his apology was issued through his marketing company. |
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Rafael Agustin Delgado, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Pasadena / Fullerton | Ca | USA | Posted: 11:24 PM on 02.01.09 |
->> He is still the best swimmer I have ever witnessed and this tabloid dream will not eliminate his accomplishments. The sponsors will pull contracts like they did with Kobe and David Letterman will have material for two more days.
I was lucky enough to meet Mark Spitz at a swim meet back in the days when I looked "delgado" sporting the speedo. And if needed to make the call, I will gladly pick Phelps for my relay team with out any hesitation. Performance over personal practice is the item of concern, not whether he tokes. |
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Nick Adams, Photographer
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On the move in | Yunnan | China | Posted: 12:41 AM on 02.02.09 |
| ->> I guess it could explain the Michael Phelps' 12,000-calorie day eating habits. |
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Jamie Roper, Photographer
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Portland | OR | United States | Posted: 2:41 AM on 02.02.09 |
| ->> what...no paraphrased reference to Lincoln's apocryphal statement on U.S. Grant's taste for the drink? yet? |
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Corey Perrine, Photographer
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Hudson | NH | USA | Posted: 3:04 AM on 02.02.09 |
->> For the record I said I was stunned at information that he COULD be suspended for four years. I provided the link from insider.com and later found out it to be wrong. I apologized. Sorry for any miscommunication. Here’s that link again…
http://www.theinsider.com/news/1612583_Michael_Phelps_Bong_Photos_Michael_P...
And the paragraph…
“These pictures show Michael Phelps inhaling marijuana from a bong. Michael Phelps smoking marijuana pics will get him banned from swimming for four years. Michael Phelps got stoned and wasted and his career and endorsements are currently on the line."Michael came to town like a bull in a China shop," a source who spent time with Phelps in Columbia, S.C. tells Star. "He was partying out of control from the moment he got here to the moment he left."”
Second, what is wrong for hoping a high profiled figure to succeed despite a little bump in the road? No he did not commit murder. I'm sorry if anyone took it that way. But he did had a hiccup. This hiccup was similar in magnitude to his DUI hiccup when he was 19, relatively small. I think in a week will just be a passing blip on the radar screen.
However, after winning an unprecedented amount of medals, at the highest anticipated Olympics, with the amount of endorsements, and to be involved in smoking an illegal substance, whether you agree with the laws or not, is a little unexpected.
I would be just as surprised if Michelle Wie or Mary Lou Retton or Kurt Warner was found doing the same in photos. But that's just me.
Segway: Do I have a beef with marijuana, no, I have a beef with the wake of it's ripple effect. Because while a lot of people say, "Oh, it's okay, it's safer than cigarettes," what people don't see is the process of how it gets to the states. I'm not here to argue the health properties, but I argue for the people affected by it. People don't see or care to think of the tireless efforts of the ATF, local police and other law enforcement that goes into keeping this stuff away from dealers. The blood shed over such. The foreign countries it’s harvested in. The obstacles of getting it here. It's the ripple effect we don't see that makes me uneasy in my stomach. So it's not just harmless weed, it's similar to blood diamonds or any other substances that people die over to get it distributed to the market. The lives lost and hurt by distributing such.
Back on track, do I think less of him? I'm really not worried about him, I think he'll be fine, but I think it hurts only the young children that look up to him. When athletes, especially ones who are rallying for a non-multi-million dollar sports, like swimming, actions like these give a little sting to their respective sports, image and his non-profit foundation.
His actions go against his foundations affirmation notice…
http://www.michaelphelpsfoundation.com/
"'The pursuit of a dream that founded a vision'. That vision is to open a center, with his own $1,000,000.00 bonus, to educate children on how to live healthy active lives and provides a methodology that empowers children to make their dreams a reality. Proof of why people are saying that Michael Phelps is the greatest hero in history.
An example of 'heroics that transcend the pool'."
Will all be well for the future for Phelps? I'm pretty sure they will. If it happens again, I think we can call it a habit. But, I believe Phelps is true to his apology and will go forward as an ambassador for swimming on a global scale. He's attained the rank of a swimming god here on earth because of his credentials and our painting of him to be that way. However, the crowd, like me, forgets he bleeds blood just the same and is subject to the same foibles and shortcomings all contained in each human being despite being a master of his craft. He stands for much in and out of the pool to so many. And I was stunned IF they would have suspended him for four years. But I'm smart enough to know he's human and can accept him good and bad. I still have immense respect for the man.
I hope in 2009 some people cut others, including myself, some slack around here if you don’t agree with their posts. I'm a firm believer if you can't say it to someone's face or are rude, don't write it. Or if you see something written uncharacteristic of a photographer just send them a question to clear things up. Half the time it’s just miscommunication.
I hope this all finds you well,
Corey
P.S. And no Matt this is not the worst subject line and post ever, I can e-mail you off list if you want to see some pretty non-thought provoking posts, I can point you in that direction. |
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Sam Santilli, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Philippi | WV | USA | Posted: 9:01 AM on 02.02.09 |
->> PLEASE tell your kids that there is NOTHING they can do that is not going to get posted.
And same on the jerk who took and distributed this image...just let the kid be. Bong hits did not hurt the president, so why should it hurt this guy? |
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Jim Comeau, Assistant, Photo Editor
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Los Angeles | CA | USA | Posted: 10:29 AM on 02.02.09 |
| ->> Sam, which one? |
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Stanley Leary, Photographer
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Roswell | GA | USA | Posted: 11:09 AM on 02.02.09 |
->> Everyone will and has made mistakes which we regret. What is very scary for today is that how quickly your mistakes can become public record for the rest of your life.
Every search through Google is never deleted by Google. Therefore once information has been posted and searched just once, it is now and forever on record. The web page maybe deleted but now it is saved as part of Google as cache.
The days of having a public record only if you were convicted of a crime are gone. You can now have one with Google.
Posting your party pictures on Facebook for example can now be used by your potential employer to decide if you have the character they want to hire is very different to the days when these photos were just in your family’s photo album.
So, while this post may seem to be only about Michael Phelps getting caught smoking pot, I hope it is an education as to how easily any of us can have our mistakes on public record for the world to know forever.
Therefore, shouldn't we as a society be more sympathetic if someone is caught and does make amends than in the past? |
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Max Levine, Photographer, Assistant
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Philadelphia | PA | USA | Posted: 11:55 AM on 02.02.09 |
| ->> I went to middle and high school with Michael. This does not surprise me, nor should it surprise the public. |
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Richard Uhlhorn, Photographer
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Chelan Falls | WA | USA | Posted: 12:30 PM on 02.02.09 |
->> He's just a kid who undergoes the same peer pressure anyone else in his age group goes through. Hey they party, drink beer, smoke weed and who knows what else.
He's still the best swimmer I've ever seen. |
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Jeff Keacher, Photographer
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Stanford | CA | USA | Posted: 4:28 PM on 02.02.09 |
->> Looks like Phelps's sponsors aren't going to go running:
http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/swimming/news/story?id=3878675
Really, smoking weed has become so common that it's almost a non-issue. According to a study published in PLoS Medicine, 42% of Americans have tried pot (compared with 74% for tobacco and 16% for cocaine). I don't use drugs (I have better things to do with my time), but I don't think any less of somebody who tokes up now and then. |
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Todd Spoth, Photographer, Student/Intern
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Houston | TX | USA | Posted: 4:41 PM on 02.02.09 |
->> This brings me back to my political psych classes during my undergrad as well as some discussions I had over the Fall about the next 20-30 years in our country.
Stanley touched on the fact that every facet of your life is being cached by the big bad machine that is the web. Every time you twitter, update your facebook status, write someone a message on myspace, it is forever contained on some server, someplace.
Nothing is sacred anymore. 50 years ago campaign grunts would have to dig dig dig to find material for mudslinging, but when the next generation of presidential candidates or really any candidate for any office comes to pass, mudslinging will be as easy as typing a name into google or doing a bit of web searching.
Photos of Obama during his youth or Bush, et al are negatives tucked away in someone's attic or basement. Photos of the next generation of possible presidential candidates are flying around the web.
The question is, will we become more lax of knowing these sorts of things as they become more probable of the knowing? |
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Ian L. Sitren, Photographer
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Palm Springs | CA | USA | Posted: 4:57 PM on 02.02.09 |
| ->> I like that study.... "42% of Americans have tried pot". What they don't tell you is 90% of entire remaining 58% is lying. |
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Sheen Yen, Photographer
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West Lafayette | IN | USA | Posted: 5:10 PM on 02.02.09 |
->> "Bong hits did not hurt the president, so why should it hurt this guy?"
Are you sure...? |
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Sheen Yen, Photographer
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West Lafayette | IN | USA | Posted: 5:15 PM on 02.02.09 |
->> You know- it's just not good for his public image especially when there are so many young adults that look up to him as an example.
Regardless of your opinion on marijuana, Michael Phelps represented the US in international competition, is an American icon, and him being portrayed in this manner is a poor reflection on the US.
On a side note, regarding this statement,
"Marijuana is viewed differently from performance-enhancing drugs, according to David Howman..."
According to Robin Williams,
"The only way it's a performance-enhancing drug is if there's a big f-ing Hershey bar at the end of the run." :) |
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Keith Mokris, Assistant, Photographer
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San Francisco | CA | USA | Posted: 5:59 PM on 02.02.09 |
| ->> So he smoked weed AND destroyed everyone else in the pool! |
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Nick Iwanyshyn, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Guelph | ON | Canada | Posted: 6:13 PM on 02.02.09 |
| ->> Lock up your children, Phelps is on the loose, who really knows what else this maniac is capable of? j-walking? not flossing his teeth? |
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David Brooks, Photographer
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San Diego | CA | USA | Posted: 6:53 PM on 02.02.09 |
| ->> Although maybe not so much a "big deal" now since so few companies are hiring, but anyone on the short list to be considered at a large metro daily or any large company will have to undergo a drug test. If you care about that kind of thing, e.g. getting a career, then it is a "Big Deal." College students take note. |
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Fj Hughes, Photographer, Assistant
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Baltimore | MD | USA | Posted: 7:18 PM on 02.02.09 |
| ->> Just another example of how athletic prowess does not qualify you as a role model. |
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Mark Peters, Photographer
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Highland | IL | USA | Posted: 9:38 PM on 02.02.09 |
| ->> I found Speedo's comments interesting given that they dropped Gary Hall when he tested positive for cannabis. |
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Rick Osentoski, Photographer
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Martin | OH | United States | Posted: 10:07 PM on 02.02.09 |
->> Who cares is right, I doubt the sponsor do too much, they will make a show but in the end still use his endorsement. After all most of the people running these Corp. are from the generation that smoke more pot than any.
Maybe Obama will do something about decriminalizing it. Would anyone care if he was doing a beer bong. |
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Jeff Martin, Photographer
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wellington | OH | usa | Posted: 10:13 PM on 02.02.09 |
| ->> Bottom line on endorsements, If they think he can make them money, they will use him. They don't care if he smokes dope or likes little boys from a business standpoint. |
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Joe Cavaretta, Photographer
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Ft Lauderdale | FL | USA | Posted: 10:30 PM on 02.02.09 |
->> an interesting point of view on the subject, re: the newspaper and website that "broke," this story:
Here's a question for Rupert Murdoch (proprietor, News of the World): When your daughter, Grace, now eight years old, is a little older ... say 16 ... How would you like it if a tabloid (it probably won't be the News of the World) published a front-page picture of her doing a bong hit at a private party on the Upper East Side of Manhattan? Not much, I reckon.
http://www.forbes.com/2009/02/01/phelps-cannabis-bong-opinions-columnists_0... |
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Walter Calahan, Photographer
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Westminster | MD | USA | Posted: 9:00 AM on 02.03.09 |
| ->> I was going to post something here, but the list of posts where so long to scroll through, I forgot what it was I was going to post. |
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Ian L. Sitren, Photographer
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Palm Springs | CA | USA | Posted: 9:14 AM on 02.03.09 |
->> For those of you who may be too young....
"REEFER MADNESS" from 1936
http://tinyurl.com/86fqw
It is too good! |
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Brett Flashnick, Photographer
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Columbia | SC | United States | Posted: 10:00 AM on 02.03.09 |
| ->> Why do I always miss all of the good parties here in Columbia??? I really need to get in the loop. |
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Ray Anderson, Photographer
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San Francisco | CA | USA | Posted: 11:12 AM on 02.03.09 |
->> I have photographed Michael since he was 17 he is a great person and athlete and has given back to the sport of swimming.
This does not even come close to his DUI that was an error that could have caused damage to someone else.
Taking a hit out of a bong at a party when you out of competition is between him and Bob Bowman.
If it is true that Hall lost speedo because of pot use that was a BS move by speedo.
I would boycott any product that drops Michael.
The real crime is that pot is still illegal while we sell tobacco and until recently could pick up any issue of sports illustrated ad and see tobacco ads.
I would not want my son to smoke pot but my biggest fear is that he would become another tobacco addict. |
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Stanley Leary, Photographer
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Roswell | GA | USA | Posted: 2:43 PM on 02.03.09 |
| ->> But did he pay his taxes? |
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Jim Colburn, Photo Editor, Photographer
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McAllen | TX | USA | Posted: 6:51 AM on 02.04.09 |
->> Getting back to photography:
I wonder how much the photographer got for the picture... |
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Dave Amorde, Photographer
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Lake Forest | CA | USA | Posted: 8:33 PM on 02.04.09 |
| ->> Jim, I believe the photographer got two or three hits and bag of Cheetos. |
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Stephen Maturen, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Minneapolis | MN | United States | Posted: 11:28 PM on 02.04.09 |
->> I can't get over this:
"He looked just as natural with a bong in his hands as he does swimming in the pool. He was the gold medal winner of bong hits."
An early nomination for Quote of the Year. |
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G.J. McCarthy, Photographer
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Dallas | TX | USA21 | Posted: 8:57 AM on 02.05.09 |
->> Not to protract the "debate" even further, but I thought this was an interesting column ...
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/columnists/sfl-flsphyde04sbfeb04,0,61435...
Like any other cynical journalist out there, I'm trying to remain indifferent on this one -- I just assume everyone smokes pot, steals money from their grandmother's dresser and jaywalks across busy intersections -- but I have to admit ...
Phelps has engaged in recreational use of marijuana and, to date, amassed 16 Olympic medals (14 gold ... GOLD!!), while I had college roommates who could scarcely muster the energy to nuke an Eggo ...
There's just something really amusing about that.
- gerry - |
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Jason Orth, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Lincoln | NE | USA | Posted: 9:34 AM on 02.05.09 |
| ->> Man, just think what Willie Nelson could have done! |
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Alan Look, Photographer
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Bloomington | IL | United States | Posted: 9:39 AM on 02.05.09 |
| ->> yes, 5 more posts and I'll have enough material to write a country western song. I smell retirement wafting about the room. |
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Ray Anderson, Photographer
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San Francisco | CA | USA | Posted: 11:07 AM on 02.05.09 |
->> Patrick
Thanks for the link it saddens me to see hard this has been on Michael and his family the man is a great person who has bent over backwards to photographers and the press in the past.It is time for all of us to support Michael and help him move on.
What an AH of a person the photographer that exploited the image.
I offer all my support to Michael this is a minor mistake and he compares it to his DUI.
Driving while drunk is a serious offense taking a bong hit at a party a few months after you captured eight gold medals is more acceptable to me than if he had lit up an addictive cigarette. |
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David Seelig, Photographer
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Hailey | ID | USA | Posted: 3:49 PM on 02.05.09 |
| ->> I have spent alot of my life shooting street people, as I was orphaned and lef tto my own devices at the age of 16. The pot kids smoke now is far stronger then what we smoked as kids . Kids Most kids cannot handle it. I have seen kids have mood swings just from pot that are worth of alcholics in the middle of a binge. As we were stoned for 15 minutes from a few hits and now these kids are stoned for hours. Also pot is truly a gateway drug. It makes it much easier to go on to harder drugs. Kids do not distinguish the difference. Between one drug an another. To excuse what he did is far more hurtful, then anyone realizes. |
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Nic Summers, Photographer
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Mount Prospect | IL | USA | Posted: 4:16 PM on 02.05.09 |
| ->> You better get your bong hit before this guy gets the pipe because with those lungs, he'll suck the bottom out of the bowl. |
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Mike Anzaldi, Photographer
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Oak Park | IL | USA | Posted: 11:26 PM on 02.05.09 |
->> david-
your post is a little short on science. simply typing that grass is "truly" a gateway drug, doesn't make it so. there are no chemicals in grass that make people seek other drugs. i respectfully disagree with your statements. i think that far too much is being made of this and other high profile smoking events. consider it stupid, immature, irresponsible or whatever. likening grass to alcoholism is just plain unfair to alcoholics everywhere. they work much harder and suffer far greater for a high that is considerably less healthy and more dangerous than the stoners. i was a kid, and i have kids. i am much more concerned about alcohol. drunk kids die every weekend. you can't get too stoned. i've tried.
phelps needs a pass. no ethics violations here. |
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Daniel Putz, Photographer
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Jefferson | MD | USA | Posted: 12:47 AM on 02.06.09 |
->> You can't die from weed. You can die from alcohol (and it's not hard).
I await the day where 'Drink Responsibly' is not only appended to alcohol but weed commercials as well...might actually not be laughed at nearly as much as the anti-pot commercials are now. They're a joke.
As for him losing his contracts, Kellogg cut him off.
http://sports.yahoo.com/top/news?slug=ap-phelps-kellogg&prov=ap&type=lgns |
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