Op-ed: Despite Potshots, Phelps' Career Isn't Over
Justin Menickelli
February 8, 2009
Asheville Citizen-Times (NC)
By now, most of you have read the catchy headlines and the throngs of stories from across the news wire — while visiting a girlfriend at the University of South Carolina, Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps was photographed smoking from an object unmistakably associated with marijuana.
Unlike many who have jumped on this media windfall, I am not surprised that he partook, that his handlers attempted a cover-up, or that many of his fans still worship him. I am surprised, however, that he was dumb to enough have his photo taken. I'm also surprised that, in this AOJ (After O.J. Simpson) world, we still expect better behavior from sport icons.
Millions of people smoke pot, while very few are worth millions. According to U.S. News & World Report, 42 million Americans have tried marijuana. Undoubtedly, that list includes athletes, teachers, astronauts and even a former (and current) president. But how many on that list have endorsement deals worth $100 million? Perhaps Phelps should have studied more in his economics class. |
