Michael Phelps - Is it getting out of hand? [Archive] - Bad Astronomy and Universe Today Forum

megrfl

12-February-2009, 09:56 PM

Initial report...

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.starmagazine.com/media/MichaelPhelps_bong_230.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.starmagazine.com/michael_phelps_loses_endorsement_kelloggs/news/15199&usg=__-LvzrVi3b7f9bN87PiJuOVps1EU=&h=275&w=230&sz=19&hl=en&start=7&um=1&tbnid=Hov7NgfSEQbyeM:&tbnh=114&tbnw=95&prev=/images%3Fq%3DMichael%2BPhelps%2Bsmoking%2Bweed%26u m%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:*:IE-SearchBox%26rlz%3D1I7DKUS_enUS303%26sa%3DN

I admit I can't stand to see him smoking a bong, but isn't this going a little too far?...

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Authorities in the South Carolina county where Michael Phelps was photographed smoking from a marijuana pipe have been arresting people as they seek to make a case against the superstar swimmer, lawyers for two arrested people said Thursday.

“I find it amazing the justification is they don’t want to treat him any differently just because he is a celebrity, and he is being treated far differently than any other Joe Blow who might have smoked marijuana four or five months ago.”

Full story...

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/29125081/

I don't know how to feel about the person who sold the photos/story. I don't have a high opinion of him or her right now. Am I wrong? Maybe they didn't think it would snowball like this.

Please give me your opinions.
megr

Fazor

12-February-2009, 10:03 PM

When I initially heard the story, I swore they said it was from a party back in 2003. Now it seems the party was much more recent. When was it?

As to the "Is it out of hand?" question, I think it is. But being as sucessful as he was, he has to realize that he has a target on him now. People love to tear down others who they think highly of, so that they feel better about themselves. He's not the first to fall victim to it, and won't be the last.

jrkeller

12-February-2009, 10:44 PM

sarongsong

12-February-2009, 10:45 PM

South Carolina Marijuana Law (Summary (http://norml.org/index.cfm?wtm_view=&Group_ID=4563))

Tarkus

12-February-2009, 11:00 PM

A case of tall poppy syndrome.

R.A.F.

12-February-2009, 11:05 PM

Did smoking pot give Phelps an unfair advantage in the Olympic games?

Since the answer is no, then this is really a non issue...

Meanwhile A-Rod continues to play...

redshifter

12-February-2009, 11:20 PM

Sounds to me like the SC police are just looking for some attention. Sure Phelps was an idiot, but I doubt if an anonymous person was photographed apparantly smoking something out of a water pipe, the SC police would give a rip. Mountains out of molehills here.

Euniculus

12-February-2009, 11:49 PM

mike alexander

12-February-2009, 11:52 PM

Recent studies have shown that use of marijuana can increase the area of the webbing between your fingers.

Actually, it doesn't; you just think it does after a few good hits.

Josh

12-February-2009, 11:56 PM

I think the suspension and loss of sponsorship is pretty good and standard. I mean ... whether he did it or not, I couldn't care less. But to allow himself to be photographed whilst doing it ... given his public standing ... that was dumb and he deserves to be punished for it. Making an example of him in terms of taking away his sponsorship and not allowing him to swim is spot on to show that what he did was wrong and to show kids that it's wrong. Taking him to court though is a bit stupid.

slang

13-February-2009, 12:22 AM

I'm from the Netherlands.. I'd say the police would have some more pressing issues to pursue than to go after some minor infraction involving some comparatively harmless (compared to eg. alcohol) substances. To me it would be more useful to spend the hours of investigation on substances that are responsible for more related crime and physical suffering. That approach seems to work here just fine. (I understand that what works in one nation may not necessarily work in another.)

From the sports point of view: yeah, I can understand the punishment for any substance abuse by top athletes, considering the health mission agenda. This I think is a more useful approach to promoting health, and any sports personality should be aware of it, and live up to it. Especially if such behavior is mandated through the contracts they signed.

Mike, I can attest to perceived growth increases. It just wasn't webbing. :)

kleindoofy

13-February-2009, 12:30 AM

... Seriously, who cares? ...
That's just the point. As with so many "news events" these days, millions of people *think* they care and gobble up "news" broadcasts about them, and watch the ads shown during those broadcasts, and buy the products from the ads ...

The "news" media doesn't broadcast news anymore, it sells stories, with the key word being "sells."

If proof of this were really needed anymore, then here it is.

When the hype blows off and the media notices that dumb masses of lemmings are chasing the next rabbit that hopped by, they'll drop the story and nobody will give a fecal excrement anymore.

megrfl

13-February-2009, 12:43 AM

Fazor, STAR is reporting that the incident occurred on Nov. 6, 2008. STAR printed the story Jan. 31, 2009. I guess they didn't want to ruin his or the families holidays. Which actually may be true.

http://www.starmagazine.com/news/15177?cid=RSS

Josh I agree.

Sarongsong linked to South Carolina's marijuana law, he would only get a slap on the wrist (1st offense), but can you participate in the olympics with a criminal record?

I appreciate everyone's responses,
megr

sarongsong

13-February-2009, 01:18 AM

http://www.bautforum.com/images/icons/icon10.gifFebruary 12, 2009
...Sheriff Lott has made fighting drug crimes a central plank of his career. He rose from patrol officer to captain of the narcotics division in the early 1990s and was well-known in the county for wearing stylish suits like the drug agents on "Miami Vice" and driving a Porsche seized from a drug dealer. He was elected sheriff in 1996...
AP (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gav61lYnY-W3nlJteKSkTVKT6buAD96AAQ4G0)pic (http://www.richlandonline.com/News/2005n/SheriffLottAward2005.jpg) (Lott on left, receiving Sheriff of the Year Award - 2005)

timb

13-February-2009, 01:29 AM

Bearded One

13-February-2009, 02:08 AM

I understand from news sources that Kelloggs is suffering some backlash about their decision to drop Phelp's sponsorship of their products. Calls to their customer service line concerning this have surpassed calls about the peanut situation. The backlash is pro-Phelps and I suspect the company officials are scratching their collective heads at this time. They would have been better off to have simply ignored this incident.

I also have heard that serious crime in that district is on the rise and there is some backlash occurring over the emphasis on this case, which is looking like nothing more than some minor misdemeanor busts. They seized less than an ounce of the drug during this raid. How much law enforcement time and resources have been devoted to this?

It does seem like this is the work of a hot shot looking for easy fame. It could very well backfire. especially in these tough economic times.

megrfl

13-February-2009, 02:17 AM

http://www.bautforum.com/images/icons/icon10.gifpic (http://www.richlandonline.com/News/2005n/SheriffLottAward2005.jpg) (Lott on left, receiving Sheriff of the Year Award - 2005)

Possibly making an example of Phelps. I guess it is the states right. It just seems excessive.

<photo observation> Either Lott on the left is a small well proportioned man or the presenter on the right is a very tall, tall, man.<end observation>

Josh

13-February-2009, 02:23 AM

Would the swimming federation have suspended him if he had been busted for DUI? I doubt it. So why take action over a picture of his possibly committing a different minor drug crime?
I can't answer yes or no. But I know football players here are (harshly) suspended and fined by their clubs for DUI.

And the reason to take the action is because, as slang said, the swimming federation have the health mission agenda to consider. And, I believe, rightly so.

Krel

13-February-2009, 02:41 AM

I think any lawyer could get this case dismissed. What proof is there that he was smoking pot? He could just say that he was pretending to smoke pot or there wasn't any left.

Spend the money for prosecuting and housing the real hard-core criminals.

Unfortunately he was stupid enough to admit that it was marijuana. So his lawyer would have a difficult time claiming it was just a gag photo.

People are saying that it is just a publicity seeking Cop, but he could also be under pressure. If he did nothing, then people could say that he was letting one of the famous off. It is a double edged blade.

David.

Bearded One

13-February-2009, 03:01 AM

People are saying that it is just a publicity seeking Cop, but he could also be under pressure. If he did nothing, then people could say that he was letting one of the famous off. It is a double edged blade.All of the other jurisdictions that could have pursued the matter publicly chose not to. They didn't seem to feel they were required or obligated to act.

timb

13-February-2009, 03:24 AM

I can't answer yes or no. But I know football players here are (harshly) suspended and fined by their clubs for DUI.

And the reason to take the action is because, as slang said, the swimming federation have the health mission agenda to consider. And, I believe, rightly so.

Phelps was not suspended after his 2004 DWI arrest.

Mary Wagner, a spokeswoman for USA Swimming, the sport's governing body, said it would not sanction Phelps.

"Unless it happens on a team trip, we do not get involved or add any consequence," she said. (http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/2004/11/09/2004-11-09_swim_phenom_sinking_on_dwi_p.html)

That sounds like in 2004 USA Swimming didn't get involved in disciplining swimmers for minor offences committed on their own time. It seems there's been a change of policy at USA Swimming, or being photographed with your lips to a water pipe is more serious than a proved DWI.

Unfortunately he was stupid enough to admit that it was marijuana. So his lawyer would have a difficult time claiming it was just a gag photo.

AFAIK he only admitted that it was him in the photo and said (via Facebook)

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. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public – it will not happen again.

I don't see any admission of consumption of an illegal substance. Maybe he regrets allowing himself to be photographed clowning around with a bong. Proving that he wrote something on Facebook would be difficult anyway. Media reports suggest the site is actually controlled by his management company, Octagon.

gzhpcu

13-February-2009, 04:50 AM

This sure is making a mountain out of a molehill. I find the habit of binge drinking in England a lot worse. Even US presidents have admitted to trying pot.

With all the cell phones around, did he even now he was getting photographed? The person who sold the photograph is envious and despicable.

mfumbesi

13-February-2009, 05:50 AM

It is an over kill....remember the wardrobe malfunction?

mahesh

13-February-2009, 08:47 AM

Did smoking pot give Phelps an unfair advantage in the Olympic games?

Since the answer is no, then this is really a non issue...

Meanwhile A-Rod continues to play...

so RAF...if smoking stuff didn't give Phelps an advantage, at the Olympics, it is okay to do so?
it becomes a non-issue to you!? like it doesn't really matter? what kind of example are we setting for future...
let's shove it under the rug...a non-issue.
what rubbish!

are you really serious? really?
why is everything being dumbed down? it makes me so so so angry.

geonuc

13-February-2009, 11:41 AM

OMG!

A 23 year old kid took a bong hit! Toss him in the slammer and throw away the key!!!

Seriously, who cares?

He's never tested positive and they're trying to prosecute him based on a picture. Seems ridiculous and a waste of taxpayer money.

I can understand him losing sponsorship though, they pay him to keep a certain image and here he dropped the ball.
Agreed. I don't care if anyone smokes pot.

But I really do care if sheriffs and prosecutors pursue cases like this to draw attention to themselves, perhaps for election purposes. Anyone recall the Duke rape case?

.

megrfl

13-February-2009, 02:35 PM

Phelps was not suspended after his 2004 DWI arrest.

I was not aware that Phelps had a DWI. That's a big no-no in my opinion. It certainly shows his mentality.

Maybe he does deserve to be shook up a little.

In addition, the photo makes him look extremely weak; not a good image for an olympic superstar.

Does anyone think he looks cool? I doubt it.

But to be pursued like he's a drug lord; I still think is going over-board.

Buttercup

13-February-2009, 02:37 PM

Yes, I would say so:

Team's anti-Phelps night: A minor league hockey team will be holding a promotional "Don't Be Like Mike Night." » Humorous take or taking it too far?

That's from Yahoo! News.

So the man smoked pot. Wow; what a crime! And what are these other people doing in privacy? This isn't humorous. Likely it's based on petty jealousy. "Oh he won 8 gold medals huh? Who does he think HE is? Time to knock him down a few notches."

Quite a few athletes [particularly football stars] have gotten away with murder, rape, selling narcotics, kiddie porn, wife battery...

Argos

13-February-2009, 02:43 PM

I'm from the Netherlands.. I'd say the police would have some more pressing issues to pursue than to go after some minor infraction involving some comparatively harmless (compared to eg. alcohol) substances. To me it would be more useful to spend the hours of investigation on substances that are responsible for more related crime and physical suffering. That approach seems to work here just fine. (I understand that what works in one nation may not necessarily work in another.)

Ditto the sentiments.

Did smoking pot give Phelps an unfair advantage in the Olympic games?

Since the answer is no, then this is really a non issue...

Meanwhile A-Rod continues to play...

Amen.

A.DIM

13-February-2009, 03:05 PM

Just imagine being in the room when he exhaled...
:eek:

With lungs like his I imagine the visibility was close to nil, and surely everyone got a nice contact high.

:p

mahesh

13-February-2009, 03:09 PM

This thread. like other similarly toned ones before, is doomed to be locked.
(sorry megrfl!) With a few rapped knuckles...

A.DIM

13-February-2009, 03:15 PM

Indeed, beware the content police!

mahesh

13-February-2009, 03:17 PM

Like Ben Johnson in 1988 Olympics...remember?
Great example and role-model, hanh! For a million kids!

A.DIM

13-February-2009, 03:26 PM

Well, IMO, athletes as role models is a farce, regardless if they're playing straight.

megrfl

13-February-2009, 03:30 PM

This thread. like other similarly toned ones before, is doomed to be locked.
(sorry megrfl!) With a few rapped knuckles...

mahesh I see that you are passionate about this subject. Obviously it troubles you, as it does me. My kids (both teens) brought it to my attention. I ask that you share your opinion on dope for the sake of the thread. If we have teens reading, I think your opinion would be valuable.

Thanks,
megr

A.DIM

13-February-2009, 03:37 PM

I've got two teens and I started talking about the dangers of drug use with them years ago.

Organics that grow naturally from the earth? Yes, in moderation.

Powerful synthetics made by scientists? NO WAY!

jfribrg

13-February-2009, 05:18 PM

If he did nothing, then people could say that he was letting one of the famous off. It is a double edged blade.

David.

I think that is the only reason they are doing it, other than the 15 minutes of fame thing. He could always charge him with something like posession of drug paraphanalia(sic?), let Phelps' lawyer do his thing getting the charge dropped, and then get on to more important things like maintaining the 24-hour presence at the donut shop.

R.A.F.

13-February-2009, 05:25 PM

The problem as I see it is a government which demonizes simple usage as if those who do use are somehow inherently evil.

IMHO, drinking is much worse...drinking destroys lives. You can die from drinking too much alcohol...

Ever heard of someone dying from smoking too much marijuana?

Argos

13-February-2009, 05:30 PM

IMHO, drinking is much worse...drinking destroys lives. You can die from drinking too much alcohol...

Yep. Still parents don´t seem to have any problem with kids watching fancy Campari, Smirnoff, Jack Daniels and a host of beer brands commercials in the prime time.

Buttercup

13-February-2009, 05:46 PM

Regarding marijuana "vs" alcohol, I'd like to simply point out that the continued attitudes do stem from the 1950's -- and particularly 1960's -- when certain people (class/socioeconomic and traditional values) drank liquor ("polite company").

"Those other types" smoked marijuana.

I'm not condoning these attitudes. And they persist today, evidently.

My parents did cigarettes/liquor like crazy in their youth; but smoking pot? Someone caught do that was spoken of in darkly negative terms as though it were on par with adultery or robbery. :rolleyes:

A.DIM

13-February-2009, 07:40 PM

Regarding marijuana "vs" alcohol, I'd like to simply point out that the continued attitudes do stem from the 1950's -- and particularly 1960's -- when certain people (class/socioeconomic and traditional values) drank liquor ("polite company").

Hi Buttercup.

I think it goes further back than that to the Tax Act 0f '37, rooted in the same religio-politico fervor as the prohibitionists.

A.DIM

13-February-2009, 07:44 PM

IMHO, drinking is much worse...drinking destroys lives. You can die from drinking too much alcohol...

I don't think it's an opinion, RAF, it's fact.

Ever heard of someone dying from smoking too much marijuana?

While at university I wrote a research paper on this issue and experimented first hand.

I tried.... and failed.

:p

Hugh Jass

13-February-2009, 08:25 PM

Ever heard of someone dying from smoking too much marijuana?

No but I know plenty of folks that thought they were going to. :whistle:
No just sit right there it'll be ok you're not going to die...

As far as prosecution goes, he was just on the wrong coast. It would not have been an issue in the slightest with local authorities over here.

timb

13-February-2009, 11:35 PM

No but I know plenty of folks that thought they were going to. :whistle:
No just sit right there it'll be ok you're not going to die...

The bad experiences usually come from ingestion rather than smoking. As you smoke the effects come on fairly rapidly so you know when you've "had enough". If you eat a slab of hash brownies it's too late to do anything when you realize it was too much. Another factor is that brownies are often made with low quality dope. Simultaneous consumption of large amounts of alcohol greatly increases the chances of a bad experience.

As you say it's just a matter of riding it out. Rushing to hospital is just going to make things a whole lot worse.

As far as prosecution goes, he was just on the wrong coast. It would not have been an issue in the slightest with local authorities over here.

I was wondering how it works in states where cannabis has been quasi-legalized via the medical marijuana trojan horse. :)

PetersCreek

14-February-2009, 12:24 AM

Folks...a reminder that BAUT is not the place to advocate for drug use. Keep it family-friendly please.

Van Rijn

14-February-2009, 12:51 AM

Folks...a reminder that BAUT is not the place to advocate for drug use. Keep it family-friendly please.

Well, this is touchy, but I think this needs a bit of clarification. What is advocacy in this context? And are alcohol and tobacco advocacy exempted (since I've seen a lot of what I would consider alcohol and tobacco advocacy on BAUT)?

PetersCreek

14-February-2009, 01:02 AM

I agree that it's touchy and the lines aren't always clear which is why it's a subject of discussion among the mods. We've recently taken members to task for related posts, so for now and for consistency, let's tone the discussion down in this area.

sarongsong

14-February-2009, 01:05 AM

:lol: ...I was just contemplating the perception of a particular elf... http://www.bautforum.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

Cougar

14-February-2009, 02:12 AM

Like Ben Johnson in 1988 Olympics...remember?

Maybe in broad, general terms, but there is a big difference, particularly with respect to sportsmanship. Phelps had it, Johnson did not. This in no way takes a position on what Phelps is doing in that picture, or why the media seem to think it is newsworthy....

Sticks

14-February-2009, 11:46 AM

If the endorsements of illegal drug are allowed they this may bring in issues with regards to local law enforcement and terms of service issues with regards the servers that BAUT may use, so for those reasons we do not want to see illegal drug use promoted on this forum. The issues of alcohol and tobacco are not relevant as they are legal, weed, pot or whatever it is called is not.

If use of illegal substances is endorsed then to stay within legal codes, this thread may be shut down