Earlier this year Michael Phelps was photographed taking a bong hit at a University of South Carolina college party. The story was first reported by a British tabloid with the headline, “What a Dope.” Below there is a video of reporter Shelly Palmer reporting the story. He states that he could argue for both sides of this event, but he definitely takes the stance that this was entirely overplayed and blown out of proportion. This is one of many videos that take the side of Michael Phelps doing nothing wrong. However there is another side that argues Michael Phelps was completely out of line by smoking pot. Other articles talk about how he lost his sponsorship from Kellogg’s and banned from the USA swim team. I chose this video because I like the comparisons to other athletes and criminals Palmer uses to describe the Phelps incident. There are two clear sides to this argument. Was Phelps wrong in his actions or did the media make a mountain out of a molehill?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V91RNzUya3E&feature=related
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Since pot is illegal in the US, I do think what Phelps did was wrong. Palmer makes the case "he was just being a regular kid" but to generalize and say that most college kids smoke pot is be incorrect. Unfortunetly, Phelps is in the spotlight and with fame comes the media invading your personal life. Palmer made that case against Obama's speech writer but the reality is that not many people know Obama's speechwriter...most of America knows Phelps. On most sports teams, if you get caught doing drugs, you are out so I see nothing wrong with Phelps' punishment. Pot is illegal and so he deserves more than just a "slap on the wrist."
ReplyDeleteSince Phelps is seen as a role model and represents the United States, this issue has escaladed and grasped the attention of many around the world. Despite the fact that many others have done drugs or done something bad the attention is geered towards him because of his popularity. I am sure that we have all done something and regretted it maybe not necessarily illegal; yet still something we were not proud of. By Phelps owning up to his mistakes he obviously is aware of his wrongdoings and most likely won’t do it again. Although I don’t agree with people using illegal drugs, I don’t think he should be penalized especially since it wasn’t something to the extreme of rape or anything along those lines as Palmer mentioned. He owned up to it and apologized, there is not much more he could do. He should be given some form of punishment to utilize him as an example and show America that they won't just let something like this go easily; however I don't think it should be that extreme.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching the video and reading about this Michael Phelps thing in the newspaper forever, I really do think that this is something that has been blown out of proportion. People make mistakes. Do I think that Michael Phelps smoking marijuana helped him win any of his gold medals? No, if anything that it probably didn't help him. I'm glad to hear that the sheriff is not pressing charges against him, and that hopefully this can all blow over. I can't wait to see him again swim in the next Olympics.
ReplyDeleteThe story on Michael Phelps has been on CNN and other news stations, newspapers, radio stations, and on the internet. I think it is safe to say that the media has taken great interest in Phelps' story and has definitely blown it out of proportion. Although I do not agree with people doing drugs, it is something that is not uncommon for people to do. Not that everyone does it, or even most people, but it isn't a complete shock to hear that people are doing marijuana is at college parties. The only thing Phelps did wrong in my opinion, is taking a hit from a bong publicly. Since he is a celebrity, he should have known people would be taking pictures of him that night. Especially if he was smoking out of a bong. It's too bad that his private life is coonstantly publicized, but that's they price you pay when you become famous. Therefore, Phelps should have been smarter about his decisions and who he did them in front of.
ReplyDeleteI think it is incredible that Michael Phelps was able to achieve as many as eight gold medals in the Beijing Olympics. I can understand how young people see him as a role model and I think it is disappointing that he was caught smoking marijuana. I can imagine that this would be seen as a major personal failure to some of his biggest fans. It is my personal opinion that the embarrassment he is suffering over the incident and the disappointment of his fans is enough of a punishment for the young athlete. I personally do not idolize public figures much less athletes but I can understand how his story would be motivational to a younger generation, especially athletes. I can also understand how Phelps would loose promotion deals since companies hired him for his image, if he ruins or detracts from his image he will have to pay the price in this case it unfortunately comes in the form of loosing endorsements. However everyone makes mistakes and I am sure he will use this as a positive learning experience. As far as being prosecuted for his actions, if Phelps was not caught at the time of use and there is not enough evidence to prove he is guilty then I think it is fair to treat this case like every other and not follow through with charges against him.
ReplyDeleteI wish Michael Phelps the best of luck with his athletic endeavors in the future and remain confident he will retain a large fan base despite his publicized drug use.