The 8 time Olympic Medal champion Michael Phelps was caught taking hits of a bong filled with marijuana in 2008 while visiting a college campus. Someone had taken a picture of this happening and was paid to have this picture published in a newspaper in England. The site of this picture was a huge shock to Phelps fans around the world. Not only did this action effect Phelps career but it also helps to show others that not only is he an Olympic champion but he is also a human who makes mistakes just like everyone else.
There are many different approaches and ways to look at this issue. Smoking weed is illegal in the United States and you can get in serious trouble for breaking this law. Many parents these days to not want their kids doing drugs and drinking alcohol. When celebrties make actions like this and they get announced in the public is just makes it okay for other people to behave in this mannor. Many kids think to themselves well if someone famous is doing it then it must be okay. Many college students these days are into partying and getting into illegal activities. As time goes on partying and outrageous behavior is becoming more popular.
I don't think that when Michael Phelps decided to make this decision he thought it was going to be this big of a deal. The reality of this situation is that Phelps is an adult and is going to make his own decisions. Many people smoke weed everyday without the consequences that Phelps has had to go through. When your around 20 years of age most people make many decisions that they are not proud of and eventually learn from. Hopefully in this situation Micheal Phelps will learn from it and move on with his life. The sad part from making this decision he lost about 8 million dollars worth of sponsorship. I'm just happy that I don't have people watching my every move like a hawk and judging me for the decisions I make. My question is would you rather not be famous and be able to make decisions as you please and not have to worry about publicity or be famous and have to deal with something like this inncident.
