Phelps Bong Hit

[JEFF4i]

FOX Sports on MSN - More Sports - SC sheriff investigating Phelps' bong photo

Everyone seems to think this is no big deal, 23 year old doing weed?

True, but he was supposed to be one of the cleanest most inspiring athletes. Doesn't seem right, and lost respect for him.

[SilverUberXeno]

He's the best swimmer in the world.

I have no reason to think he's the best at anything else, really. And he could smoke pot, bathe in heroine, and beat his girlfriend-- he'd still be the best swimmer in the world. That's all he is to me.

[JEFF4i]

Originally Posted by SilverUberXeno

He's the best swimmer in the world.

I have no reason to think he's the best at anything else, really. And he could smoke pot, bathe in heroine, and beat his girlfriend-- he'd still be the best swimmer in the world. That's all he is to me.

Which I agree. Call it changing as I think about my kids, but they will have some access to the internet, if for no other place but at school.

Its a shame to think some kid idolizes someone who, not to discredit his accomplishment, is incredible, and a few months later see a picture of him with a bong. And no, I don't want a debate over weed and what it is, because at this time, its illegal. And that is what bothers me.

[nututhugame]

C'mon... who idolizes swimmers?

[SilverUberXeno]

Jeff, I have serious fundamental problems with drugs. I really don't associate with anyone who does them, and I'd never do them. But they should be legal, frankly. Punching yourself in the face isn't illegal- you're just expected not to be stupid enough to do it :-p

I guess it's a matter of taking things for what they are, not what you want them to be. What Phelps' 8 gold medals symbolize is that he's an excellent swimmer. It'd be nice if he was a heroic individual in general, but that's all guessing and press.

I mean, when you think about it, what kind of hero is a person who spends all day swimming, when there are actual PROBLEMS in the world? You can look up to Phelps as someone who committed his entire life to one thing and achieved the highest possibile recognition for it, even though that one thing is mostly useless.

It just doesn't shock me, I guess. I'd tell my kids to consider the character of the person, and not just his achievements, before they go on idolizing someone. It'd be a good lesson learned.

It does suck that a guy with so much "talent" has to sully it with something like this. That never happens in the NFL

[JEFF4i]

I agree completely, however, this is in regards to how children see it, which they don't always see things as you and I do.

No, it doesn't suprise me, but it does disappoint me.

[Dave Ireland]

Jeez kids and their role models !! ..... have a look at teenagers and their unswerving adulation of rock stars and the life that they portray and in my own case I've 2 kids that worship the steroid fuelled world of WWE wrestlers. But I think in general terms the kids just appreciate the entertainment their idols deliver in what ever form it manifests itself and don't dwell on their social behaviour and attitude.

FWIW, I'd classify weed and alcohol in the same terms, only difference being one is legal the other isn't

[Eracer]

I just wish people like Phelps would be more honest about it. Michael - Instead of apologizing and saying you "made a mistake" just own up to the fact that you like to party, you smoke a little weed once in a while, and it's not a problem for you. Maybe become an advocate for legalization. You're an Olympic swimmer who smokes pot recreationally. You're not a loser, or a drug addict.

Maybe people should accept the fact that our role models are human beings that make choices that some people disagree with. Some of those choices are legal, and some are illegal.

[Dave Ireland]

Kick a man while he's down I know .. but .. wasn't he also done for drink driving a while back ?

[Eracer]

Originally Posted by Dave Ireland

Kick a man while he's down I know .. but .. wasn't he also done for drink driving a while back ?

Yes he did. And in that, he did made a mistake.

[Dave Ireland]

You know there is a school of thought which suggests that cannabis can be used in the management of ADHD (which Phelps suffers from) ...

*cough* ...but in it's medicinal format (pill)

[Eracer]

Originally Posted by Dave Ireland

You know there is a school of thought which suggests that cannabis can be used in the management of ADHD (which Phelps suffers from) ...

*cough* ...but in it's medicinal format (pill)

We have a lovely situation in California, which has legalized the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes. So what happens? Federal agents come in and arrest the owners of the shops that supply it.

State's rights indeed.

[slickpitt]

Eh... not a big deal... not like he's Tiger Woods or something lol

[Eracer]

Originally Posted by slickpitt

Eh... not a big deal... not like he's Tiger Woods or something lol

Let's see Phelps win a gold medal with a broken leg.

Hell, he could probably do it...

[Pa Jayhawk]

Gonna cost him millions in endorsements.

Find it funny though that the local sheriff is considering criminal charges. I wanna see how they prove what was in the bong, and further it is only considered paraphernalia if they can prove that it was used for an illegal substance. Seems like they are just trying to get money out of the deal.