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What Was He Thinking?
Posted: Friday, February 06, 2009 1:37 PM
Category: Sports
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Well you can bet Michael Phelps is kicking himself now. Kellogg’s has announced that it will not renew the Olympic champions’ contract that expires this month. What was he thinking smoking pot and getting photographed doing it? It is a shame for so many reasons. One is that American’s had a new American icon that appealed to everyone. He was the new golden boy and during a time when we really needed to pull together, this young athlete did it. He seemed to have it all, the athleticism, the awesome body, killer smile and great personality. He was a role model for so many, especially children. Dream the dream, work hard and you can accomplish whatever you want. Sure, all eyes around the world were on him and with that comes a certain responsibility and let’s face it….he screwed up…big time.
It seems too, that he might even be used, to send a strong message. In addition to his Kellogg’s contract not being renewed, he has also been suspended for 3 months by USA Swimming. Here is the interesting thing, he didn’t break any “anti – doping” rule, however the organization said, ”We decided to send a strong message to Michael because he disappointed so many people, particularly the hundreds of thousands of USA Swimming member kids who look up to him as a role model and a hero”. Basically what the suspension means is that he cannot compete for 3 months and there will be no financial support from the institution for 3 months as well.
At this point Michaels other sponsors who include Speedo, Omega, Visa, Mazda, PureSport and Hilton Hotels all plan to stand behind Michael, and Subway, another sponsor has not made a comment either way. Michael completely understands the decisions and accepts them. He is also very disappointed in himself and says it will not only, not happen again, but he plans to earn back everyone’s trust and get past this unfortunate situation.
