Michael Phelps Smokes Marijuana But At Least He Didn’t Use Steroids

Feb 4

Michael Phelps Smokes Marijuana But At Least He Didn’t Use Steroids

Marijuana Use Tolerated by Public and Sponsors But Steroid Use Condemned

@lizziekeiper: “I don’t understand why everyone is flipping out about Phelps and the pot. Doesn’t seem like THAT big a deal. Not like it’s Cocaine or worse...

“And it’s not like we just learned he’s on steroids. THAT would be something to freak out about.”

@lilizerquera: “Finding out Michael Phelps was on steroids would be just as sad as realizing there’s no Santa.”

Michael Phelps, the superstar Olympic swimmer and multiple gold medalist, was photographed hitting a bond at student house party at the University of South Carolina last November. The British tabloid News of the World published the photograph last weekend with a sensationalistic story suggesting the world’s greatest athlete may be an experienced cannabis user. The 14 time Olympic gold medalist acknowledged the legitimacy of the photograph and apologized for his “regrettable” behavior in a public statement released by his marketing agency Octagon.

The Michael Phelps marijuana scandal is turning out to be a non-issue for most people, much to the chagrin of anti-drug warriors. The general public, sporting organizations, anti-doping organizations, and corporate sponsors have been amazingly supportive of Michael Phelps in spite of the incriminating photograph. The widespread support represents significant progress in societal acceptance of individuals who use marijuana and a rejection of cannabis demonization efforts in the war on drugs. Ironically, the acceptance of marijuana use by Michael Phelps comes at the expense of anabolic steroid users.

A large segment of the general public accepts an individual’s choice to engage in recreational drugs such as pot but still categorically rejects the use of steroids. The collective relief that Phelps ONLY used marijuana and NOT anabolic steroids is a sad consequence of the steroid hysteria in the contemporary war on steroids. Objective reviews of the scientific literature indicate that the side effects of anabolic steroids are minimal and certainly no worse than the side effects of cannabis use. Nonetheless, anabolic steroids are relentlessly demonized by practically everyone. Steroid hysteria inexplicably continues to thrive among many cannabis and drug law reformers.

Sports marketing business experts praised Phelp’s for addressing the scandal immediately and apologizing for his “regrettable” behavior. “I would not expect him to lose a single endorsement, or any potential endorsements,” Marc Ganis, president of the sports business consulting firm SportsCorp. “He has handled himself so well to date that he has earned the benefit of the doubt. Especially at this age, experimentation with things like marijuana for young people in their late teens and early 20s is an understandable action.”

It is great that Michael Phelps has not being destroyed by the media for his repeated instances of illicit drug use. Phelps well-publicized incidents involving alcohol and marijuana seem to be forgiven and dismissed by sponsors and fans. Phelps pleaded guilty to drunken driving after he was arrested on charges of driving under the influence and underage drinking after winning eight medals at the 2004 Athens Olympics; he was sentenced to probation. “I recognize the seriousness of this mistake. I’ve learned from this mistake and will continue learning from this mistake for the rest of my life,” Phelps said at the time. Currently, Michael Phelps potentially faces misdemeanor marijuana possession charges in Richland County, South Carolina in drug scandal four years later in the aftermath of his 2008 Beijing Olympic success.

“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,” Phelps said explaining the bong photograph. “For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again.”

His $100 million endorsement deals remain intact and multiple sponsors were quick to express their support of Michael Phelps. Apology accepted. This is in stark contrast to what would happen to an athlete who was caught using anabolic steroids. Even the unproven and/or unsubstantiated allegation that an athlete used anabolic steroids is enough to permanently tarnish the career achievements and reputation of an athlete.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) Supports Michael Phelps

“Michael Phelps is a great Olympic champion. He apologized for his inappropriate behavior. We have no reason to doubt his sincerity and his commitment to continue to act as a role model.”

Speedo Supports Michael Phelps

“In light of Michael Phelps’ statement yesterday, Speedo would like to make it clear that it does not condone such behavior and we know that Michael truly regrets his actions. Michael Phelps is a valued member of the Speedo team and a great champion. We will do all that we can to support him and his family.”

Omega Watches Supports Michael Phelps

“The current story in the press involves Michael Phelps’ private life and is, as far as Omega is concerned, a nonissue,” the company said.

Hilton Hotels Supports Michael Phelps

“We continue to support Michael Phelps as an athlete whose numerous athletic feats outshine an act of regrettable behavior.”

PureSports Supports Michael Phelps

“We applaud the fact that he has taken full and immediate responsibility for his mistake and apologized to us, his fans and the public and we support him during this difficult time.”

It is incomprehensible that any athlete implicated in the use of anabolic steroids, either through admission, analytical, circumstantial, or unsubstantiated allegations, would receive comparable support given the current steroid witch-hunt.

The Michael Phelps marijuana scandal represents a great day for marijuana law reformers. Societal attitudes towards pot are changing. Marijuana can be used responsibly by extremely successful and accomplished individuals. Michael Phelps use of marijuana weakens the mythology/stereotype of the lazy stoner/slacker. Should the Richland County Sheriff continue his grandstanding and pursue charges against Phelps, it may inspire a public revolt against hypocritical drug laws that are considerably more destructive than the drugs themselves (excluding anabolic steroids, of course). That is great.

On the other hand, the Michael Phelps scandal represents a very sad day for anabolic steroid law reformers. The contrast between the perception of marijuana as relatively harmless and the perception of steroids as extremely dangerous is troubling. This is unfortunate.

Sources:

“14-times Olympic gold medal winner Michael Phelps caught with cannabis pipe,” February 1, 2009

“Sheriff investigates whether Michael Phelps smoked pot,” February 3, 2009

“Key sponsors Speedo, Omega back Michael Phelps after apology for marijuana pipe photo,” February 2, 2009

”Phelps Apologizes for Marijuana Pipe Photo,” February 1, 2009

“Michael Phelps Marijuana Scandal and Demonization of Steroids,” February 3, 2009

“Olympic Champ Sentenced For DUI,” December 29, 2004

By Millard Baker

http://www.millardbaker.com

www.SteroidsRx.com