A photo capturing Olympic Gold Medal winner Michael Phelps smoking dope surfaced in the media over the weekend placing the 2008 Olympic stud's squeaky-clean image in serious jeopardy.
And, the incident also raises some intriguing questions.
Allegedly, the revealing snapshot of Phelps was taken back in November at a party at the University of South Carolina when he attended a Gamecocks football game.
Phelps, with cap screwed on backyards rapper-style, was caught on film holding a pipe to his mouth with his right hand while lighting it with the other.
Why did it take so long for the damaging image to come to light?
Were there behind-the-scenes maneuverings to suppress the incriminating photo - and ultimately - quash its release?
No matter, I guess.
The popular role model - idolized by millions - was quick to admit a slip in character in a statement he released through his manager over the weekend.
"I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment."
The young bachelor went on to note that the dope smoking was inappropriate and a youthful act that amounted to conduct fans never expected from the Olympic hero.
The prepared statement gave the impression that the incident of drug use was an isolated one - but in view of the drug paraphernalia Phelps was facilitating on the occasion - one has to seriously wonder.
The pipe or "glass bomb" the athlete was using is often the utensil of choice for habitual users because it packs a wallop, and hence, intensifies the high.
Of course, to baby-boomers, it's no big deal to admit to smoking grass.
Even former President Bill Clinton admitted to taking a toke - on a controlled substance paranoid critics have often referred to as the killer weed.
If you're to believe the waffling slick Willy, though, he didn't "inhale".
Right, Bill.
Marijuana, per se, is classified by the World anti-doping Agency (which oversees Olympic & International Drug Testing) as a banned "in competition" drug.
Therefore, Golden Boy Phelps - although fallen from Grace - is unlikely to face any punishment or suspension for his after-hours leisure activity.
To the powers-that-be, Phelps is not even considered a candidate for investigation, in respect to the issue of use of performance-enhancing drugs for professional gain in the sports arena.
For good reason.
Phelps has never failed a drug test during his active swim career.
An athlete is subject to WADA sanctions only when a positive test occurs during competition periods.
The incident is an embarrassment for the U.S. Olympic Committee who recently named Phelps its male athlete of the year.
Which again raises questions about the "timing" of the release of the incriminating photograph.
Although the Committee acknowledged they were disappointed in Michael's thoughtless indulgence, they expressed confidence that their "top gun" will be able to go forward and set the right example expected from an Olympic champion henceforth.
Maybe Phelps needs to find a girlfriend (or boyfriend) to keep him out of trouble on those dark lonely nights?
Interestingly, the tawdry tale was not front page news in any of the local dailies bright and early this morning.
Indeed!
A handful of the reports have been discreetly tucked away in the back pages of the sports section, in fact, with little or no sensationalism.
Has the stumble knocked Phelps off his pedestal in the eyes of the media?
Maybe, but undoubtedly - once this post is published - the hits will rev up as usual.
To the readers at The Tattler - he's still a heart-throb and media darling - and the focus of a lot of titillating speculation (and a lot of wishful thinking, if you get my drift).
So, when is Michael's next big splash?
We wait with bated breath!
Will Rogers once said:
"We all can't be heroes, because somebody has to sit on the curb and applaud when they go by."
The look of regret?
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