Commentary on Phelps and Pot...

[Geo]

Forgive me if there is already another thread on this subject. I only did a quick scan of the forums, didn't see one and now I've started my own...

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Michael Phelps is a champion. And apparently he smokes or has smoked pot. We know this now because a tabloid magazine has printed a picture of him with a bong in his mouth and the mainstream media has aired the story.

Phelps issued an obligatory formal apology. He didn't really have a choice. His people (e.g. publicist, PR person, etc.) most likely orchestrated the whole thing.

I, for one, wish he wouldn't have apologized or characterized his actions as a mistake or error in judgement. Nope. I wish he would have issued a statement expressing regret that someone with ill intentions sold a photograph of him to a tabloid.

If Phelps did a Punky Brewster (I'm dating myself) and was a spokesperson for the "Just Say No" campaign then the apology would be necessary and there would be shame here. But he is just a college aged guy who happened to achieve greatness because of what he can do in a swimming pool. The fact that, during his free time (while not operating heavy farm equipment), he inhaled the smoke from a plant, for the purpose of chilling out, does not take away from his greatness and is quite frankly- irrelevant.

I believe that if Phelps had been a bit more defiant that this would have led to healthy dialogue on this subject. The fact that some prosecutor is considering bringing criminal charges against Phelps serves as proof in my mind that dialogue and reeducation are needed and that existing laws should be reexamined and changed.

G

 

[Blair]

 

[Geo]

Your avatar is rather fitting for this thread.
haha

 

[Bobskunk]

Phelps as Pot Spokesman

I don't know that Michael Phelps needs to be the spokesman for the legalization of maijuana. I quit touching the stuff years ago, not because I think it's bad, but only because it is illegal. I felt that I should comply with the law even though I don't necessarily agree with it.

What's really sad is that some little piece of exrement dedided to take a photo of this very young man, without considering the consequenses. Perhaps he considered the damage to Phelps, but just did not care. It is also indicitive of our decline with regard to what is considered newsworthy.

Apparently, there is no crime in South Carolina, which is the only legitimate explanation as to why he would be prosecuted. Usually, these prosecutors, or law enforcement officers who want to make a name for themselves end up regretting their poor judgement and blind ambition. (Michael Nifong ring any bells?)

I wish that we would allow our young people to grow up and be allowed to make mistakes without the glare of the media. Thank goodness I did not have to face this kind of scrutiny every time I got drunk (every week), smoked pot (not often), or woke up wearing a camisole (only once). I am also thankful that every person walking around did not have a camera with them.

What kind of adult creep conducts an interview with a child such as Miley Cirrus, and feels compelled and jutified in asking her if she is a virgin. Oh by the way, yesterday I learned that she hates Asians. We are sick country.

 

[scooterbug44]

There is another thread.

Regardless of your personal feelings about pot smoking and it's legality, Phelps is a role model who did something illegal.

I care less about the fact that a role model did it then the fact that a great athlete is so careless with their body (he has also had past alcohol problems). Swimming is a sport with very low tolerances for error - thousandths of a second are the difference in a gold and silver medal and he's hitting a bong!

 

[John R]

I can't believe this issue still has legs.
Geo, I agree, typically a youngster would shrug it off. But he has too much at $take to remain silent.
Scooter, he probably would have been ejected if it had shown up on his tox screen. So after all the olympic dust has settled, the guy wants a hit, not a factor imo.

 

[scooterbug44]

The Olympics may only happen every 4 years, but qualifying finals, national meets, etc. are on a different schedule. If pot makes you ineligible, I am even madder at him for throwing his sports career away then I was before! :angry:

 

[John R]

thrown away is a pretty big leap.

 

[zumzum911]

It is amazing to me how many people exceed the speed limit, roll through stop signs, and are less than honest on their tax returns yet beat the drum of illegality on pot. Phelps is national hero and the slimeball who took the photo can't diminish his greatness.

 

[Geo]

There is another thread.

Regardless of your personal feelings about pot smoking and it's legality, Phelps is a role model who did something illegal.

I care less about the fact that a role model did it then the fact that a great athlete is so careless with their body (he has also had past alcohol problems). Swimming is a sport with very low tolerances for error - thousandths of a second are the difference in a gold and silver medal and he's hitting a bong!

Careless with his body? I get what you are saying but it is a slippery slope. The same logic can be applied if he eats at McDonald's or doesn't get adequate sleep.

Alcohol problems? I know the guy got a DUI (I wish I didn't know it- it is none of my business which is a subpoint in this discussion) but does he really have alcohol problems? I would venture to guess that if all of us when we were college aged were held to the standards we are holding this guy to that most of us would be eligible for the "past alcohol problems" label.

We don't see a picture of Phelps chugging a can of Budweiser because lobbyists in this country were successful in persuading lawmakers that alcohol is an ok drug. It wouldn't be news if Phelps ingested a mind altering drug if the pharma companies convinced the FDA, the lawmakers and the MD's that that their drug was ok.

I really see this whole thing as a "kids will be kids" story. This to me is about as serious as a speeding infraction on a country road when no one was around. Was it illegal? Yep. The smartest thing to do? Nope. But it was just a young guy unwinding. And it is a shame we know about it. I do not believe he owes us an apology. That said, I understand why he HAS to apologize. It's the PR machine.