Michael Phelps Smoking Weed – Why People Who Play Sports Shouldn’t Use Drugs
In addition to health dangers and potential addiction risks, using drugs – even just once – can destroy years of hard work. Drug abuse taints an athlete’s record and reputation. Respect and trust that was built with fans and within the industry has to be rebuilt. Sponsorships and endorsement deals that took years to earn can disappear in seconds. For a few minutes of what might feel like ecstasy, an athlete may end up cleaning up after those moments for the rest of their life.
Michael Phelps, a record-breaking Olympic gold medalist, is today’s example of how one-time drug use can send even the most clean, respected and accomplished of athletes into a frenzy with an uncertain future. Prior to the picture of Phelps smoking weed, he was well-known as an athlete against drugs and as a supporter of the World Anti-Doping Agency. By using drugs, his anti-drug messages have lost their validity. Teens and young adults who look to Phelps for inspiration as a role-model have been let down. Not only is this unfortunate from an ethical point of view, but letting down his fans could have an impact on his current and future opportunities. CNN interviewed sports attorney Ryan Smith, and during the interview he explained that, “A lot of endorsement deals have clauses that say that you can’t do bad actions like this, not only crimes, but just things that you do bad in public could result in the termination of your contract.” Additionally, “a lot of these companies that are sponsoring him really are focused on kids and how actions of their athletes affect children.”
After the picture of Phelps smoking weed came forth, he quickly issued a statement apologizing for his behavior – “I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again.” Such bold promises are very hard to keep, especially if Phelps is dealing with a substance abuse problem. This incident wasn’t the first for Phelps, as he was caught drinking under the influence in 2004. If his illegal substance usage continues, bouncing back may not be an option for him.
This is why people who play sports just shouldn’t use drugs. It puts their career in jeopardy and taints all of their efforts. People start to remember them for the scandalous activities they were involved in and not for their athletic abilities.
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February 4th, 2009 at 9:54 am
the sad thing about the Phelps "pot scandal" is, that British tabloid could care less about whether or not it’s wrong that Phelps smoked pot (a year ago)… they’re just shooting for ratings, and unfortunately it worked
February 13th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
It’s a shame this had to happen to Michael Phelps. I really don’t know if it was a one time thing or something more. I am sure there is so much pressure on him to ‘maintain’ and image, but I think I wonder if Michael is crying out for help.
January 2nd, 2010 at 7:00 am
People make too much of a deal about weed.
Tobacco and ALCOHOL is a worse drug. In every single way. There are pictures of Phelps at some party all drunk and reportedly being obnoxious, borderline violent, but nooooo, no one cares about those. Although as soon as pot is involved everyone flips out.
Nonsense.