Which is why he kowtowed to the media.

This is how the world works in the internet age. Do you really give a crap that he took a bong hit?

I don't...but we must think of the children, because we don't talk to them and everything they see on the internet becomes their personality.

I guess...

when you're an athlete of his calibure, muscles work overtime.
when you're not competing, it can get difficult to relax.
cannabis is clealry an assistant in relaxing the muscles, give the guy a break

Stuff like this usually ends up becoming a topic of conversation between the kids and us.

Maybe I should thank Phelps for being a dick so I can have this very important conversation with my kids?

Bravo, Ali. That's what I mean. It's a great conversation...though I'm not sure partying at 23 constitutes being a dick.

:)

Well, the dick part was letting himself be photographed with a bong in the first place.

Even I managed to avoid that. ;) (just in case my mum ever saw)

eta: Our boys know that we've both smoked dope in the past. It's a subject we've discussed at great length with them. We try and instill a sense of 'time and place' ruling with them rather than the whole 'don't do that it's bad' stance which I think is what fucks up a lot of parents.

I totally agree. What kind of people is he hanging out with who would do this...for some fame, or some kind of vengeance?

You really do have to be more diligent in your activities when you are under the scrutiny of the public eye. However, I can't imagine that kind of fame that early, so who am I to say?

Yeah...he's a superstar, and you'd have to think one of the most recognizable faces in the world after the recent olympics.

Everyone makes errors in judgement. I don't think he should be punished. I reckon he should spend a bit of time figuring out who his mates are though.

Great point. You have to trust your friends...not just ride out the superstar thing. Hopefully he's learned that lesson.

That was the story, thats the issue. Fair or not, he will lose millions and most likely his Olympic career.

In a real world, though, barring what Ali and I talked about...it SHOULD be a non-issue.

I'm not mad at him...I was 23 once. A lonnnnggg time ago. ;)

Yeah, I think he'll lose money in sponsorship or advocacy deals, but I doubt he'll lose his career.

Everyone has to pay for their mistakes one way or another.

Besides, he's already the best. Maybe he's sick of swimming and might decide this is the time to try something new. Most other 23 year olds are trying out new things.

Anyway, one of our top ex swimmers has done something even dopier if you ask me.

Ian Thorpe has long been the subject of speculation as to his sexuality and recently, in an effort to confirm his hetro status (it would seem) he claimed to have had sex with some other swimmer...only thing was, he didn't tell her about this supposed affair and she's denying it.

Really, who cares if he's gay anyway?

I'm not fussed about Phelps, but may the jerk that took and then shared that photo never be invited to any party ever again!

Three out of the last three presidents (of the US) either smoked pot or used cocaine.

Perhaps we should start there.

And as far as I am concerned, Phelps can do as he pleases with his own body. I know of a number of professional athletes who smoke pot.

My question about the photo is that it looks like they have put liquor in the bong. That is a decidedly bad idea. Either smoke pot or drink but doing both is not a good idea. They both lower blood pressure and in combination, they lower it quite a bit. Of course, it could be something else but usually if its not water, its some kind of alcohol.

Oh it's a ROOR. It's an extremely expensive German glass bong. Looks like it could be the second one on this page.

I'm just glad there weren't camera phones and digital cameras around when I was a teenager... :eek: