Michael Phelps: To Bong or Not to Bong?

on February 3, 2009

in All Posts

That is today’s question!

But first, breakfast. I had banana oatmeal.

With a crazy amount of toppings! My oatmeal contained:

1/2 cup oatmeal
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup milk
1 sliced banana
Toppings: Granola, blueberries, unsweetened coconut, Peju caramel sauce, pecans

Whew! It was delish.

The Bong Shot Heard Around the World!

I’m sure by now, most of you have heard about this picture or actually seen it for yourselves:

Michael Phelps, the US Olympic swimmer and winner of a record 8 gold medals at Beijing in 2008, was photographed smoking what is undoubtedly pot at a college party in November.

After the photo was published in News of the World (the Brits always get the good dirt), Phelps issued that following statement: "I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment. I’m 23 years old, and despite the successes I have had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner that people have come to expect from me.” He promised it would never happen again.

According to news outlets, Phelp’s major corporate backers, which include Speedo, Omega, Visa, Subway, and Kelloggs, have so far remained supportive.

This isn’t the first time Michael has been involved in controversy — he was also arrested for a DIU at 19 years old following the Athens Olympics. He was sentenced to 18 months probation. Following his sentencing, Phelps stated: ""I recognize the seriousness of this mistake. I’ve learned from this mistake and will continue learning from this mistake for the rest of my life."

My opinion is that Phelps behaved in a stupid manner when he smoked pot in front of strangers — he should know by now some people are looking to take advantage of him. Secondly, I think his young age/fame probably caused him to act out following Athens AND Beijing. I can only imagine the tremendous pressure he is under and his desire to "let loose."

However, I do think he needs to behave in a more responsible manner overall. This type of behavior is highly inappropriate for a professional athlete. Frankly, the DUI tarnish on his record is a bigger deal to me; I feel like he’s not learning from his mistakes. If he loses a corporate sponsor or two, maybe it’s for the best.

Of course, since he tested clean from illegal drugs and preformance-enhancing drugs during the Olympics, I do NOT think he should be stripped of his medals. There isn’t enough evidence for that, anyway.

What do you think of the Michael Phelps controversy? People seem to waver between burning him at the stake and wanting to give him a high-five.

{ 59 comments }

VeggieGirl February 3, 2009, 6:01 am
Mmm, banana oatmeal!! Can’t go wrong with a classic 🙂

I think Michael Phelps is an idiot (I’ll refrain from using the word that TRULY describes what I think of him at this point). Period.
Choco9 February 3, 2009, 6:02 am
Without being at all surprised that he wants to smoke some pot and relax a bit, I do think there should be reprocussions from his sponsors.

Look, if someone paid me millions of dollars because I was a top athlete and they wanted my image for their product, I sure as hell would be able to resist a bong hit at a party for fear of losing any of that good fortune. I also think the fact that he already has a DUI is a bigger issue (you could kill someone this way, not by getting loaded at a party).

So essentially, I’d like to see him lose some endorsements simply because he is an idiot, and because I think children should see that some behaviors do warrant a punishment and you can’t so WHATEVER you want.
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point February 3, 2009, 6:04 am
choco9 – WELL SAID!! that’s what i was trying to convey in my post but you said it wayyyy better! 🙂
Molly February 3, 2009, 6:13 am
I really think people should just treat him like any other young adult. He doesn’t deserve a lighter or harsher punishment just because he’s famous. Either way, this will show him that he doesn’t get special treatment for being a celebrity.

Of course, it was pretty stupid to be doing drugs when he knew the whole world was watching. Hopefully he’s learned a lesson.

The sad thing is so many young children look up to him, so I hope they don’t start to think this is acceptable.
Sarah W. February 3, 2009, 6:21 am
My feelings on this, are similar to that of the Clinton controversy. Both are idiots. But what they do in their private life is NONE of our business.

However, I do think he is a big fat idiot for smoking at a party where people have cameras – and further more, I think all those people who had cameras are even idiots because isn’t the number 1 rule of um those sorts of activities is NO CAMERAS???? ugh.

He shouldn’t be stripped of his medals – obviously he tested clean for Olympics. As a 27year old, its clear that he is “acting out” and needs to “let loose” and I can’t really blame him for that.

If I was getting millions in endorsements though, I’d be able to have willpower and NOT partake in such risky activities.

I def think loosing SOME endorsements would teach him a lesson.

Otherwise, I think people need to mind their own business. while it has tarnished his image as a role model to younger children and athletes in high school, if you’re looking at it from a more mature perception, you could twist it to see, oh, this kid has balance in his life…fantastic athlete who likes to let loose every once in a while or something liek that. (and NO I am not condoning the whole DUI business – that bothers me way more than this pot situation)
Simple and Divine February 3, 2009, 6:26 am
I AM SH0CKED that ppl are so concerned with this… THERE ARE GL0BALL IMPACTING CRISES G0ING 0N RIGHT N0W.

And my goodness, let the kid be… Honestly, all the rents are like “My kids look up to you!” If they’re so worried maybe they should consider PERMANENT isolation to shelter their children… Sorry, this just BL0WS my mind. Let’s move on from this nuisance and focus on THE CRISES PLZ.
Simple and Divine February 3, 2009, 6:27 am
[PS] I think whomever took that photo, is a jealous, and V. obnoxious, individual. 0KAY. D0NE.

=]
Simple and Divine February 3, 2009, 6:29 am
(Btw, I do still think it was irresponsible n stupid, but it’s his life— We’re being too involved…)

I SWEAR I’M D0NE!
jenngirl February 3, 2009, 6:30 am
I agree, he should definitely NOT be stripped of any of his medals, but I would understand if some of his sponsors wanted to back out.

I do think that this is a case of his personal life though, and that if he was absolutely playing by the rules while in the Olympics, then really these pictures have no business impacting the internet the way they have. I am disappointed to see that such an astounding athlete chooses to engage in irresponsible behaviors, but then again, he is 23 YEARS OLD. Sometimes it takes doing things more than once to learn.
Olga February 3, 2009, 6:35 am
I think that he is stupid for doing that but honestly…if he get smoke weed AND still win 8 Olympic medals? I don’t know if I can say anything horrible about him….hahah

I agree with you, the pressure he’s under is probably immense! I also feel this way I think because of how normalized weed has become in our society. If it were a more “hardcore” drug, I think I would totally have a bigger problem with it…So would Speedo!
Nicole (anotheronebitesthecrust.wordpress.com) February 3, 2009, 6:36 am
I agree with you, I think the DUI is a much, much bigger deal than this. He is only 23 years old, and while I don’t agree with how he acted, I think he is still learning, and I sure as hell keep making mistake after mistake and I would hope that people would be understanding of me, but then again, I don’t have millions of people watching my every move. Maybe an endorsement backing out would help me realize that he is a role model and has to be more responsible.
Erin February 3, 2009, 6:42 am
I really think this is another case of the media sticking their noses where they shouldn’t.
A lot of people have experimented with pot, and I don’t see the harm in Phelps being like the rest of the world.
Still, Phelps knows he is an unusual situation and should have taken that into account. Most of us know when we have to stop with that sort of behavior.
Basically, I think it shouldn’t be the world’s business, but since it is, he should have been smarter.
Anne P February 3, 2009, 6:45 am
I think the DUI was definitely a bigger deal. Regarding the smoking pot, I mean, yeah, he’s 22 and just trying to be a normal guy, I don’t think it’s that big of a deal… however, he needs to remember that he’s an international role model at this point and that people are going to be watching his every move. Sucks, but it’s true, and I don’t know why he hasn’t realized yet that he should watch himself!
Alex February 3, 2009, 6:48 am
I think that the DUI is certainly a big deal and I hope that he truly does learn from it… but as for the marijuana, I honestly cannot believe that this sort of thing is still so stigmatized. While I have never personally smoked pot, anyone who went to college (and doesn’t live a completely sheltered life) should know how prevalent it is. Moreover, I think that it should be legalized. Yes, he was stupid to do it in front of other people in a situation where he would be photographed, but come on. People need to stop looking for things to be upset about.
Kailey (SnackFace) February 3, 2009, 6:54 am
Maybe it’s because I see/smell pot at least a few times a week at OU (no, I’ve never participated!), but the pot thing doesn’t seem worthy of anyone stripping him of his medals. I do think, however, that he’s dumb for not thinking about the possibility of someone taking his pic while he was doing it! Duh! He must have been drunk or something! Even better, right? haha
Leah February 3, 2009, 7:02 am
I agree with your views. I don’t think he should be stripped of his medals but I definitely think he should have acted more appropriately given his profession. I think losing some endorsements would definitely teach him a lesson.

On a side note: how many miles would you say you run a week? And has this ever changed since you started running?
Mica February 3, 2009, 7:02 am
Maybe the bong was filled with delicious oatmeal and he was just sniffing the exquisite odors!

Hm…probably not.

Re: your comment–I hope I really didn’t make you piss yourself!
Kristie Lynn February 3, 2009, 7:05 am
I think the problem with how everyone is reacting to what he did is that there are professional athletes out there (especially in football) who have done and are doing so much worse… and aside from an eye roll and laugh, they get away with it. But because swimming is an individual thing, and because people wanted him to be America’s golden boy, it’s a huge deal for him.

That’s not to say I think what he did was smart. I’m just saying that with as much press coverage as this is getting, we should be getting more coverage on things that actually matter.
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point February 3, 2009, 7:06 am
good thoughts so far!!

leah – when i started to run, i think i ran about 3 times a week. within the first six months, i was probably averaging 9 miles a week or so. i typically run 20 – 25 a week now. even at the peak of my upcoming training plan, i’m not going to run more than that. my knees start to hurt if i run too much, which is precisely the reason i’ll probably never run a marathon!
brandi February 3, 2009, 7:13 am
Yummy oats 🙂

While I understand that people are upset, he is a young guy and I don’t know that people are so much surprised at his actions, but more by the fact that he was photographed.

I think he should lose a sponsor or two simply because he is being paid for his “image” and “reputation” and you can’t just go do whatever you want while people are taking your pictures.

I don’t care what he does or doesn’t, but if he wants sponsors, he needs to take his actions into consideration more.
Katie February 3, 2009, 7:15 am
I think he’s stupid for doing it in public. Clearly he learned nothing from the DUI. I agree that the first offense was a much bigger deal. He suffered the wrath of the media and his fans then so he knows what he’s in for when he has those lapses in judgment.

Yes, he’s a 23 year old guy. He’s also a role model and a major public figure. With all the publicity and bazillions of dollars from sponsorships comes a burden of responsibility. When you sign those contracts you agree to accept that responsibility.

I don’t think his medals should be stripped. This is completely separate f
Amanda February 3, 2009, 7:20 am
To pretty much repeat what most people are saying, I think that Phelps should have been smarter than to do it at a public party. If he wants to smoke pot in the privacy of his own home/with close friends, then fine. But this ends up being something that kids who view him as a “hero” will see and take to heart.

I also think that the DUI is much more of an issue, because it is not just a personal issue … you are potentially harming other people.

I definitely don’t think they should strip his medals … he tested clean for the Olympics and was smoking once it was all over. Fact is, I don’t think that pot would make him a BETTER swimmer … if anything it would harm his lung function so I guess it’s his decision to do that!

Thanks for bringing this up!
jane February 3, 2009, 7:25 am
It’s easy to get upset at Michael Phelps for engaging in irresponsible behavior cause we forget that underneath the medals he is a 23 year old guy. But I do agree that because of his prominence in the public eye, he needs to be careful and refrain from bad habits when around cameras. I hope a couple companies take away his endorsement deals so kids can realize there are penalties for doing such things.
Now that comment pertains to the pot incident, as for the DUI that’s a whole other thing. I don’t think anyone should be allowed to just brush off a DUI like it’s no big deal. Fine if you want to get high and act like a fool, but don’t put other people’s lives in danger by getting on the road when inebriated. That just disgusts me, and that makes him a horrible role model for kids to have.
kayla February 3, 2009, 7:31 am
hi caitlin! long time reader, first time commenter. i essentially agree with most of what’s being said here, particularly about the DUI incident. that’s just pure stupidity. as far as the smoking goes, what he chooses to do in his personal life is really none of my business and if it’s not affecting him while he is performing as an athlete (like you said, he tested clean during the olympics) then he should be free to make his own choices. i agree with “simple and divine” that there are much bigger issues at hand in our world today and the fact that some rando is trying to get attention by posting such a picture is so trite and immature. i also thought this article was an interesting take on the matter: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28981754/?gt1=43001
Quinn February 3, 2009, 7:34 am
Ok, so I tried to write a comment on my Blackberry this morning, but I was having technical difficulties.

#1 He’s an idiot. Really? A DUI and this snapshot? You didn’t learn?
#2 He’s an Olympic athlete and he did it at a public party? Idiot.
#3 He chose his profession and knew what came along with it. He is a role model. I mean, if I were to get a DUI and have photos emerge of me taking bong hits on Facebook that my HR Dept got ahold of, I highly doubt I would go without being reprimanded and/or fired.
#4 I heard the lax attitude of his sponsors is leading to thoughts that the legalization of marijuana might actually happen. WTF?!?!
Elina February 3, 2009, 7:35 am
You said it perfectly! I completely agree!! I know he’s a real person but he should be a lot more responsible. Why do people that have everything want to ruin it by doing stupid things??
carolinebee February 3, 2009, 7:38 am
The thing that really bums me out about him doing that, is ALL the millions of kids and young athletes that look up to him as a role model. I do wish he had repercussions just to show that pro-athletes or stars can’t get away with that stuff!!
ksgoodeats February 3, 2009, 7:43 am
The Phelps thing: it’s just ridiculous! I think he should do an anti-drug use campaign and get some sort of punishment for it. However, I will say I have friends from U of M who have told me quite a few stories about him and what he can get up to at times :-/ He was very irresponsible, not because he got caught but because he did it and not to mention the fact he has a DUI!
Heather McD (Heather Eats Almond Butter) February 3, 2009, 7:49 am
Whether a world class athlete or not, college student or not, marijuana is an illegal drug. Big mistake Michael – big…especially when you know the world is watching.
Kimberly February 3, 2009, 7:59 am
Homeboy needs to learn the word “DISCRETION.” He’s 23, wealthy, talented, and famous, and of course he’s going to party a little. However, he needs to realize that as a celebrity, his every move is under a microscope, and if he gets caught behaving inappropriately, his reputation and financial security are at stake. Basically, what I’m saying is this — Michael, if you want to smoke pot that badly, make sure there isn’t a leak in the room!
Beadie @ What I Ate Yesterday February 3, 2009, 8:01 am
I think what he did, as an olympic medal athlete was irresponsible. Everyone makes mistakes, alot of people even experiment with drugs and alcohol but he is held to a higher standard because he gets paid to be a role model. I don’t think it is a good idea to put him on a kid’s cereal box with these things on his very public record.
Anonymous February 3, 2009, 8:03 am
I think Michael should GROW UP..both offenses are serious..he could just as easily leave the Party and drive after smoking Pot and kill someone, just like his DUI..he should go in front of a Judge and get the same treatment you or I would get if we did something like that..he’s not a little kid anymore..He need’s to take responsibility for his action’s!! and Sorry doesn’t cut it..He should be able to keep his Medal’s…
And really..what people do in their private life is Private..EXCEPT when you’re doing something illegal.!!
Would anyone of us like it if our Doctor,Surgeon,Pharmacist,Police officer,President smoked Pot in Private..would we trust their judgement to do a Good Job.. 🙁
Grow up Michael..
Keiko February 3, 2009, 8:21 am
“acting out?”
he’s a college student that smoked some pot. i don’t get what the big deal is.
emilydh211 February 3, 2009, 8:24 am
I wasnt really sure what I thought about this whole thing, until I read your blog and I think I agree with you. Your right, he is under a lot of pressure so im sure he does have a desire to “let loose” and everyone makes mistakes…but he should know that his mistakes are going to be a far bigger deal than your average college student, and thus make better judgement based on that fact.
Meg February 3, 2009, 8:25 am
I love that bowl! Your oats look so yummy!

I really haven’t paid any attention to the Michael Phelps thing.
Colleen February 3, 2009, 8:28 am
I hope I don’t get lynched for this, but to me it’s not a big deal. I know plenty of people who have made the same choices and they are still good people. I don’t have kids, so I don’t really worry about “other” kids who are looking up to him. He’s an adult and adults make mistakes. ‘Nough said.
Frank February 3, 2009, 8:32 am
okay, who’s a bigger role model? Michael Phelps, a world class one of a kind athlete, that none of us resembles much, or you, Caitlin? A much more typical person who blogs constantly about her alcohol intake?
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point February 3, 2009, 8:37 am
frank – is that a compliment? LOL! i’m not sure. 😛
Katerina February 3, 2009, 8:57 am
I really don’t see it as a very big deal either, but I also don’t think it should be any more prohibited then alcohol. Why are we even still talking about this?

That said, the DUI, is very uncool and THAT should be the controversy. Just my 2 cents…
Anonymous February 3, 2009, 9:17 am
The guy has 8 GOLD MEDALS!! More than anyone! I mean seriously…..
Maybe he just needed to relax his “sore muscles”….. 😉
Alison February 3, 2009, 9:20 am
Meg said, “I love that bowl”… haha, sorry, I’m 12 years old sometimes.

I do love your blog, though, always gives me something to think about!
fitforfree February 3, 2009, 9:39 am
what kills me about Michael Phelps is that he’s such a role model for SO many kids . . . I wish he recognized what an impact his behavior (good + bad) has on them!!
Katherine February 3, 2009, 10:41 am
While I am not condoning participating in illegal activities, over-reacting critics need to get real. We now live in a country where the President has openly discussed his own marijuana use in a best-selling book (“Dreams From My Father”). We should spend less time scrutinizing over this and spend more time on actual issues.
Sarah (lovINmytummy) February 3, 2009, 11:20 am
I guess we know why he was eating 12,000 calories a day now, huh? Those are some mad crazy MUNCHIES!
Leila February 3, 2009, 11:31 am
I was watching the View yesterday (sick at home) and I agreed with what Whoppi Goldberg said. He is being paid by sponsors to endorse a product, not technically to be a role model. I completely understand the fact that by default he is a role model to many, but to have role models that aren’t allowed to make mistakes and have growing pains, not only puts undue pressure on them, but on the children that look up to them as well. The higher we put someone, the harder the fall. I do completely agree with you that the DUI is far more disturbing because in that case he was endangering the lives of others.

It also makes me think, wouldn’t our energy be better spent celebrating the local role model, then tearing down one like Phelps?

It is a great question!
Anonymous February 3, 2009, 11:54 am
Do people who smoke pot use better judgement than drinker’s? I’m laughing at some of the comment’s..It’s illegal people,since when is breaking the Law acceptable!! And of course it’s made into a Big deal..he’s famous..who care’s if some nobody down the street is smoking pot at a Party..Oh yeah~ even a nobody could get in trouble but if you’re famous or have some stresses it’s ok?!..Drugs kill people, EVEN a little Pot at a party..
Welcome to the real world where we try and teach our Children their are Rules..People make mistakes all the time,hope fully he learn’s something!!
I agree with Veggie Girl~he’s an idiot!!!
TinaGirl February 3, 2009, 12:09 pm
Find a silver lining. Use this to talk about peer pressure and drugs with your kids. Explaine what you expect out of your kids. Don’t say that smoking pot is ok but if Michael Phelps can buckle under the pressure it may happen to your kids and what the consiquences would be. With cameras in pictures and so many kids with their own digital cameras posting to you tube, my space and facebook you can expect parents to eventually find out. What would the punishment be? Use his mistake as your learning experience and a door of communication.

there are far more things to worry about then if he should lose his endorsements or medals for goodness sakes.
Andrea of Care to Eat February 3, 2009, 12:24 pm
I said it during the summer games when he was described as “God’s gift to American athletics” – does nobody remember his DUI? I don’t think he’s an idiot for smoking pot – but he’s an idiot for getting caught. He’s the perfect example of why we should not encourage children to revere people in the media. As for his sponsors (which most of them make products for adults) it’s up to them to decide if they keep him on. Frankly, I think Taco Bell should look into getting him to endorse their product. I’ve known I’ve made a run for the border a time or two during some crazy “highlarious” moments in college.
Sarah February 3, 2009, 1:31 pm
I disagree with what most people are saying-but that could be because I am also 23.

I agree that Phelps is an amazing athlete but the fact that he smokes is a completely different fact. Although kids may look up to him as a role model- how many kids are honestly going to associate the two? I don’t believe that anyone would look at this situation and go “Wow-Phelps smokes weed….I should too.” Especially not if these kids have parents who are present.

I think he’s an amazing athlete and it should be left at that. His sponsors are there due to his athletic ability, not because of what he does during his off season. There are a lot worse role models out there who do a lot worse things and no one says anything about that.
Erin of Care to Eat February 3, 2009, 2:52 pm
I forgive him – we all succumb to stuff, no matter what our position in the world. Kind of a dumb ass move to say the least, but it doesn’t really bother me.
He can probably take enormous bong hits with those lungs!
Anonymous February 3, 2009, 4:45 pm
To whomever equates pot with alcohol: you are very mistaken. You can’t overdose on pot to the point of death (you can with alcohol) and pot has no physically addicting qualities. As far as being illegal, gay marriage isn’t legal either. Does that make it wrong? What about abortion? There are legal stipulations with that as well. Also wrong? If you take governmental law as truth, you’re just being spoon-fed ideas by a bunch of diplomats in suits. Educate yourself and make your own opinion.
Meredith (Pursuing Balance) February 3, 2009, 4:49 pm
I agree with you about how it doesn’t seem like Phelps is learning from his mistakes. It’s disappointing for sure.
Trojan February 3, 2009, 4:55 pm
He has given up his youth for years and years of hardcore training..lots of saccrifice.

I say let the kid have a little fun but for the love of GOD…do it with true friends in a low key environment. This was reallt stupid..such a shame
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point February 3, 2009, 5:25 pm
anon – hear ye, hear ye! rock on.
Anonymous February 3, 2009, 6:49 pm
Olympic superstar Michael Phelps could face criminal charges in the fallout from a photo showing the swimmer smoking from a marijuana pipe at a University of South Carolina house party.

Guess it doesn’t matter what we think..it’s illegal..
But hey Micheal ROCK ON..
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point February 3, 2009, 7:03 pm
anon – i heard that!! crazy. i think thats BS because unless he tests positive, there is no way to prove it was pot.
MyRunningJourney February 4, 2009, 10:32 am
I agree that the DUI is a bigger deal; my reasoning.. he was underage. As for smoking weed, yeah, I think it was a bad decision on his part and he shouldn’t have done it, and he will suffer consequences (maybe not immediately, but at some point, we all do). However, he’s a kid, he was at a party, I can’t really fault him too much.
Bridget February 5, 2009, 6:27 am
DUI is something truly inexcusable. He should have lost one, two, or all of his sponsors after that incident; that should have barred him from participating. Perhaps that would have taught him the real lesson he needs to learn.

My fiancee was hit by a drunk driver on February 25, 2008 and succumbed to his injuries on the 29th.

Michael Phelps may be a dedicated athlete, but I don’t believe that he will never be a dedicated citizen.
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point February 5, 2009, 6:36 am
bridget – my heart goes out to you! (((blog hug)))

Previous post: Dessert for Me & for the Dogs

Next post: Job Titles and Lunch Breaks