Michael Phelps Apologizes for Bong Picture

Michael Phelps has admitted he was smoking pot with a bong in the picture above. Phelps says his behavior was both "regrettable", and "bad judgment." He is right. As much as some people try to excuse smoking weed, or marijuana, it is still an ILLEGAL drug that could get him banned from swimming for four years, and swimming is his whole life as well as his career.

Phelps said in a statement:

"I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment. I’m 23 years old and despite the successes I’ve had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again."

… or until temptation, or his Attention Deficit Disorder, kicks in again.

Once Phleps made history by winning all those gold medals he had the possibility to ink and estimated $100 million dollars in endorsement deals. Many of those deals are based on Phelps image as a good example that other people, especially kids, can aspire to be like. No one in the business world believes that a pot smoking, alcohol guzzling, whore loving, party boy, even at the age of 23, is a good example they would want promoting their products, nor do they want a recovering drug addict. Phelps out of control behavior that led to this picture, may have both redefined how the world sees him, and could cost him a lot of money in endorsement deals, and could get him banned from participating in swimming, which could cost him his career. With success comes great responsibility to live up to your image, and set a good example.

With all the drama now surrounding Phelps, he is certain to at least get another book deal, and will be the most watched athlete if he is allowed to compete in the 2012 Olympics.