/Portals/2/logos/__TFMF_rqwxq255p1fn3x45l3pwatie_0d23d589-5262-4f1c-b92d-2e5145950216_0___Selected.jpg en-us Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved. Sun, 19 May 2013 15:29:41 GMT 15 By Robert Cameron
In a world of ever diminishing standards, the public is yet again confronted with the failures of a once believed American hero. This past January a photo of Michael Phelps taking a bong hit surfaced in the British press. While it cannot be proven what he was smoking, the outcry has been incredible. Already the repercussions have been severe. Kelloggs dropped him from their endorsement line up, and an investigation into what he was smoking, looking potentially at pressing charges against Michael, is underway. Many may argue that Michael Phelps’ job is to swim and win medals for the United States, but as a member of the U.S. Olympic team, he represents the United States, and as such is subject to the reasonable expectation of behaving in a way that is becoming the United States. If these standards of appropriate behavior are unacceptable to him, Mr. Phelps does not need to swim for team USA anymore, that would do wonders for his income. As an American athlete Michael Phelps received massive amounts of free press which has led to several endorsement deals, and as a result, it is not unfair to expect appropriate behavior from him in his personal life. As a celebrity athlete, children who idolize his accomplishments are also exposed to his inappropriate behavior as a result of the media and are faced with a dilemma. “If I admire Michael Phelps, and his accomplishments, is he a hero when he breaks the law? If Michael Phelps does it, is it ok for me?” As a public figure who has received enormous amounts of money for his services, Phelps has not only a responsibility but an obligation to the American people. Yes, he’s 25, and that behavior is not uncommon, but for someone in his position it’s totally unacceptable. ]]> Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:44:48 GMT