Is Phelps getting the shaft?

Just wondering what folks think?

Original Post by jewelsmcblah:

Right, I understand the why.  But looking at it from an "company image" perspective I find it ironic. 

I guess if worse comes to worse Phelps can get at job at Subway.

 Hehe!  I'd buy a sandwich from him. 

he's the best competitive swimmer the human species has ever produced, and he's thinking about not competing in the 2012 olympics.  because he got caught sucking on a bong.  um...we either value athletics or we don't.  if we do, he needs to swim.  if we don't, then we shouldn't care what he smokes.

Eh - doesn't really change my opinion of him.  Good swimmer, obviously a motivated and driven individual.  My sons are at the age where Spongebob Squarepants has more of an influence on them, so I'm not worried in that regard.  Other kids - well, there a lot more nefarious influences out there than that eeeeeviiiillll olympic gold medal swimmer.  Just sayin'...

I don't think smoking pot changes who he is, or his driven and motivated nature.  Although it was decidedly unwise to do so given that a good portion of his income is based on his public image.  He has to be an adult and deal with the consequences.

However, given how driven he is, this will probably not hurt him in the long run.  Pick up the pieces...

yeah, i have to add that while i don't blame the guy for toking up, i also don't blame the sponsors for dumping him.  they are in business, after all, and have to think about public opinion.

i just think the media should leave it alone.  it's a non-story.

Original Post by santonacci:

My sons are at the age where Spongebob Squarepants has more of an influence on them, so I'm not worried in that regard.

Then don't show them this: Spongebong Hemp-pants

Original Post by ncxcrnnr:

Then don't show them this: Spongebong Hemp-pants

BWAHAHAHAHA!

Thanks, Ncx - that was great!

(yeah, gotta watch out for that seaweed....)

Original Post by leighlightful:

Yes, he's a role model but he's not paid to be a role model. He's a swimmer, plain and simple.

 Um, being a role model is exactly what he's paid to do.  He's makeing next to nothing to actually swim, he's getting paid to endorse products and he's getting paid to endorse products because people look up to him and want to be like him (in other words, he's a role model).

i tip my hat to his swimming ability

i don't care about this "news" story

i can see why his sponsors would drop him

after i heard him speak i did not think of him as any sort of role model - it's highly ironic that he became a 'spokesperson' 

SNL captures my thoughts on this issue to a "t": 

http://www.hulu.com/watch/56636/saturday-nigh t-live-really-michael-phelps

Subway kept Phelps and now has launched a new promotion.  Every time you get a foot-long sub you get your card punched and after 12 punches they give you a special Micheal Phelps Olympic commemorative Bong.

Original Post by ncxcrnnr:

SNL captures my thoughts on this issue to a "t": 

http://www.hulu.com/watch/56636/saturday-nigh t-live-really-michael-phelps

 HAA this is so dead on!

did you guys hear that the sherriff in SC (wherever that party was) has arrested 8 people in connection with that party

it happened after one of the 8 put the 'phelps bong' up for sale for $100,000 on eBay

not smart, dude. not smart.

SNL was right...the person who snapped that photo and 'leaked' it to the media (for no small sum, I'm sure) is a first-rate a**h**e.

He smoked pot. Big f'in deal. Chris Brown beats the crap out of women and is still getting an IMAGE award, even though he lost his "Got Milk" spot.

Phelps' DUI was mentioned by an earlier poster - why didn't that get any press?...Oh yeah...he wasn't anyone's cash cow yet. 

It's all about $$$, not morality...whatever that means.

Original Post by jules817:

Original Post by ncxcrnnr:

SNL captures my thoughts on this issue to a "t": 

http://www.hulu.com/watch/56636/saturday-nigh t-live-really-michael-phelps

 HAA this is so dead on!

 Lol! That's Hilarious.