Sports

Phelps speaks out on bong photo

by JeffHuang | March 13, 2009 at 08:41 am

192 views | 2 Recommendations | 1 comment

Michael Phelps has finally broken his silence on the infamous bong photo where in an interview, he insists that he is more worried about the pain he has caused on family, friends, and fans than losing money in endorsements. Phelps inhaling from a marijuana pipe was the talk of the world when the photo was published in a British tabloid on Feb 1.
Phelps acknowledges his mistake but believes the DUI arrest in 2004 and the bong controversy differs, but are both "immature and stupid mistakes." After the DUI, he promised his fans and mother that the same mistake would not be made twice.

The fallout of the bong photo was a three month suspension by USA swimming and a lost sponsorship from Kellogg.

Phelps also addressed the issue of young boys and girls who look up to him that may have been crushed by the photo.

"I want to say that if you do make a bad judgement or you do make a mistake, make sure you're responsible for it. Because that's how you're going to change and that's how you're going to learn."

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Peter Trevino (not verified)

at 11:00 on March 13th, 2009

Michael Phelps has done a hell of a lot more good than bad in his life. He is still someone to look up to even for older people. I hope many kids follow his example, even if they smoke pot at some time in their lives -- it won't make them addicts or perverts; like Michael Phelps they still be great, talented, athletic, above the norm kids that will teach more people to excel too. Bravo Michael, you are my hero!

Peter Trevino, New York