February 3, 2009. That's right ladies and gentlemen it is a new millennium, yet we are clinging on to old school ideas that do not matter. Early this week pictures of Olympian Michael Phelps surfaced of him smoking a bong. At first thought, I figured it would last a day on the news at max. However now I hear that a South Carolina Police Sergeant is looking into the matter for possible criminal charges!
I HAVE HAD ENOUGH!
If you listen to the news accounts of this B.S. they say Michael Phelps was partying and carrying on like a frat boy!
NEWS FLASH: This guy is a 23 year old, two time Olympian, with 14 (count them) gold medals. He has dedicated his entire life going after his dreams, and reaching what I believe is the pinnacle of his sporting career at 23!
That bio in its self is a direct contradiction to the news accounts I heard this week. Ok, so maybe he is not a role model, but I did not he was going for a gold medal as a big brother.
There is no doubt in my mind that this is not Phelps first encounter with the "devils lettuces". Which proves a very important thing to me. Obviously weed, can help you train for the Olympics and even win you a medal. No, seriously if he was able to accomplish what he has done he should be able to smoke a little in the off season.
This young man is being demonized by people who, probably did the same, if not similar transgressions in their youth. Also by people who like to feed into the marketing bullshit that is "America's Hero's".
We need to come to the fact that America is the land of the free and home of the brave. This young man did not hurt anyone, a child, or even living thing. He indulge in something that he probably has been missing while training for the Olympics "A Normal Life". I like the fact that my Olympic hero smoke a little. He is doing the right thing for his pocket book but I was hoping he took a stand. Since he won't I will.
This young man was thrusted into stardom by simply accomplishing his goals. He didn't ask for the spotlight. Nor should any grown person have to apologize for not being the perfect role model, so you can buy a box of cereal, posters, or swimming lessons for your kids.
To all those who did not adjust to the hippie revolution: Grow Up, At Least It Wasn't Crack!
