Say it ain’t so, Michael Phelps! Say it ain’t so…
As you can see, the Olympic champion was photographed smoking a bong. At first I tried to defend him by saying that the photo was really of a skinny Jason Wahler. But at last, Phelps admitted and apologized for the picture and smoking marijuana.
His statement: “I engaged in behavior which is regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment. I’m 23 years old and despite the successes I’ve had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have some to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again.”
Unfortunately, this is not Phelp’s first drug-related incident. After the 2002 Olympics, Phelps, then 19, was caught drinking (alcohol) and driving. He received 18 months probation. Phelps was also ordered to speak to youths about the dangers of alcohol and attend a Mothers Against Drunk Driving victims’ impact panel.
Phelps’ pot picture will probably not result in such punishment, if any. Marijuana is not a prohibited sports enhancing drugs. Thus, the US Olympic Committee probably will not sanction him. This incident will probably cost Phelps’ wallet as it could cost him some of his sponsorships.
But, many don’t view Phelp’s weedy behavior negatively. There are many groups calling for the legalization of marijuana. They believe marijuana is not as dangerous as it’s made out to be. These groups say that alcohol and cigarettes, which are legal, are more life-threatening. Moreover, marijuana can be used in a medicinal manner. Thus, these groups see no reason to ban it.
But, smoking weed is illegal. The supporters of pot’s illegal status justify it a few ways. There’s the unhealthy aspect. There’s the notion that marijuana is a “gateway” drug – a drug that causes users to use other illicit drugs. There’s also the whole moral aspect. Some believe that the government should ban weed on moral grounds – that government should not endorse the use of pot by making it legally acceptable.
What do you think? Should marijuana be legalized or remain illegal?
And what do you think of Phelps after the bong picture? Is he still the golden boy? Or is his legacy clouded in scandal?
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