It's amazing to me that no one has a problem with Michael Phelps smoking pot. Even with a DUI in his history, it's not a problem. Speedo still supports him (I wonder how much marijuana that sponsorship money can buy?), despite the fact that he is supposed to be a positive role model and their target audience is young swimmers (and their parents). Omega says it is a 'private matter' and doesn't matter. VISA still supports him. Worst of all, FINA, the world governing body of swimming actually praised him for what he has done.
In the NBA, Josh Howard was jumped all over for admitting marijuana use. Two NBA rookies were fined $20,000 for smoking pot at a camp in Vegas. Perhaps it's Phelps' good fortune that he's white, and he is the most successful person in a sport with limited interest by the general public. Not to mention the numerous professional athletes Congress has subpoenaed about drug use.
Being male probably helps too - Amanda Beard was blasted by USA Swimming Executive Director Chuck Wielgus for inappropriately portraying swimming:
“As a membership that caters primarily to children and teenagers, I don’t feel that the appearance by [Beard] in the July issue of Playboy magazine is an appropriate portrayal of our sport.”
Maybe if she won more gold medals everything would be forgiven. Or smoking pot is a better example for young people than being naked.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
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