USA Swimming has suspended Michael Phelps for three months of competition after a picture which appeared in News of the World showing him taking a hit off of a bong. They also cut off their financial support for Phelps for the same three-month period, effective Thursday.
USA Swimming posted a statement on their website regarding the Michael Phelps suspension:
USA Swimming has reprimanded Michael Phelps under its Code of Conduct by withdrawing financial support and the eligibility to compete for a period of three months effective today, Feb. 5, 2009.
This is not a situation where any anti-doping rule was violated, but we decided to send a strong message to Michael because he disappointed so many people, particularly the hundreds of thousands of USA Swimming member kids who look up to him as a role model and a hero.
Michael has voluntarily accepted this reprimand and has committed to earn back our trust.
Considering his endorsements, I doubt that USA Swimming withdrawing their financial support will make much of a difference. USA Swimming provides a $1,750 monthly stipend to athletes.
Far more disturbing than the marijuana itself were the comments by the witness, who noted that women were all over Phelps and that:
"He was out of control from the moment he got there. If he continues to party like that I’d be amazed if he ever won any more medals again."
Absolute celebrity corrupts absolutely?
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