Michael Phelps is seen in this photo smoking what appears to be marijuana. He has since then apologized for the photo and did not deny its authenticity.
“I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment,” Phelps said in a statement released to the Associated Press, “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.”
The U.S. Olympic Committee released a statement saying it was “disappointed in the behavior recently exhibited by Michael Phelps.”
“Michael has acknowledged that he made a mistake and apologized for his actions,” the statement continued. “We are confident that, going forward, Michael will consistently set the type of example we all expect from a great Olympic champion.”
Mr. Phelps, the greatest Olympian to have lived, I hope that hit was worth the millions of dollars you just lost in sponsorship.
