Michael Phelps got off to a good start when he set World Records and won many Gold Medals for the United States of America during the Beijing Summer Olympics of 2008. He received many honours and was looked upon as an idol. He received endorsements and appeared in many commercials such as Rosetta Stone and Kellogg’s.

 

We are then confronted with the news that Michael Phelps smoked marijuana and his world comes tumbling. The photo appeared in a tabloid and he admitted it. I do not know if he admitted it because the tabloid threatened to expose him or wanted more money. The important thing was that he admitted it. In response to the news that Michael Phelps may lose endorsements is not a surprise. One company decided to withdraw their endorsement of Michael Phelps and they were right since the company is family oriented.

 

The United States Olympic Association and the Swimming Association also either did the same thing or is considering it. It was time that they took measures in order for Phelps to owe up to his mistakes.

 

The People’s Republic of China and Great Britain are the only countries that permanently ban their athletes from representing their countries if they are caught using any type of drugs. I am of the opinion that Michael Phelps should either be banned permanently or that he should be subjected to random testing. I would also like to remind you that The People’s Republic of China and Great Britain have rules in which companies do remove endorsements from athletes that test positive for any type of drug including marijuana.

 

AT&T and Rosetta Stone already ended their endorsement of him after the 31st of December 2008 and probably will not invite him to any commercials. The companies that endorse him invested a lot of money in Phelps and he failed them. I will not be surprised that the United States Olympic Committee investigates his Marijuana Smoking in November 2008 and an arrest for driving under the influence in Texas in 2004.

 

I would not be surprised if Michael Phelps loses his medals or will not be allowed to compete in the London Summer Olympics in the year 2012. Only time will tell if that will happen or not. I would not be surprised if Great Britain taking into account its tough anti drug policy, will prohibit his entry into the country. Only time will tell what will transpire but Michael Phelps has to be sure that he does not make the same mistakes.

 

Reference:

http://www.latimes.com/sports/ la-sp-sports-marijuana8-2009fe b08,0,1583371.story

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sp orts/olympics/bal-phelps0209,0 ,7213626.story

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0 ,2933,486809,00.html

http://www.helium.com/items/1333902-phelps-error