America’s favorite (only?) swimmer celebrity got busted for a picture of him allegedly taking rips from a bong-looking… bong. Phelps acknowledged the funny looking guy in the picture was indeed him and apologized. He said he regrets partaking in such a “poor” and “youthful” decision.
What did he apologize for– getting caught, or the act itself? It’s kind of an unfair situation to be put in. I realize, granted, that as an Olympic athlete there are some responsibilities that come along with it. The thing is, it’s nearly impossive in today’s digital age to adhere to perfection, and a 23-year-old Olympic hero shouldn’t he an exception.
It’s unfortunate that we live in a society where your public image is everything, and that in itself can be shattered in an instant by a camera phone (sounds like a Gossip Girl episode, no?).
Mikey was put in a tough spot. He definitely apologized for getting caught (and to keep his sponsorships), but I don’t think he should be villified for being unable to uphold his larger than life stature. Was it wrong for him to take rips from a bong? I’m sure a good chunk of the population doesn’t really care, but I guess being a stoner didn’t fit well in his well chiseled ethos. But! He listened to Lil Wayne before every meet, so this can’t be entirely unexpected, right?
And if you think about it, stoner Mike kind of explains alot. Now we know why he ate 10,000 calories a day– munchies.
So kids, the secret to being a world class, record setting athlete is simple… smoke some bowls.
// Adrian Hammerstein
