Sponsors Defend Michael Phelps' Private Life
 Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009 by Connie T.
23-year-old and 14-time Olympic Gold medalist Michael Phelps has found himself
caught up in some controversy after the UK's News
of the World published a photo of him taking a hit from a glass bong.
Phelps since
apologized through a statement, saying that his "behavior...was regrettable and demonstrated
bad judgment." But of course its the fodder for headlines everywhere, with the ladies of The View
sitting down to discuss whether or not marijuana could lead to steroids, and whether Phelps is a
"kid" or an idol that should live up to his heroic endorsement deals.
As far as his sponsors,
however, Speedo has released a statement of support for both Phelps and his family, and Swiss company Omega
released a statement saying that "The current story in the press involves Michael Phelps' private life and is,
as far as [we] are concerned, a nonissue."
Hey, if anyone's earned the right to party, wouldn't it be
someone who's snagged 16 Olympic medals (14 gold, 2 bronze) before the age of 24? There still has not
been an official statement from the Olympic committee, however, and there are new laws on their books regarding
eligibility to participate in future Olympics if an athlete is found to be using illegal substance(s). A tabloid
photo isn't exactly the same thing as a drug test, though.
You tell us...what
do you think?
|
RSS Feed
