Over the weekend some pictures of multiple gold medal winner Michael Phelps surfaced of him partaking in some partying. I read a few articles where it is believed these pictures could cost him hundreds of million an endorsements. I mean this is probably going to sound obvious coming from my mouth, but I really don't see the problem here. I expect a few people to drop him, but his big sponsors will still be there, or at least will be there in four years. I mean Phelps is an idiot proven by his DUI days after the 04 games, and being at this party where obviously people didn't have a problem selling him out. So his judgement should definitely be questioned, but Cmon a 23 year old pot head? Is it really that big of a deal? I mean he wasn't shooting guns outside of the scripp club like Pacman, he wasn't holding an illegal dog fight ring, and he certainly doesn't have 13 or 14 illegitimate children. I cant blame Phelps for living this lifestyle. I think his OWI was a much bigger deal than this and that has dissapeared. I just think this is what is considered lead news stories right now. 23 year kid smokes pot. Wow real shocker there.
8 comments:
Personally, I don't have a problem with him. On the other hand, the scope of marketability for an Olympic athlete is purely based upon being (1) highly successful, (2) hardworking, (3) honest, and (4) a good role model for kids.
The advertisers and endorsement-seekers weren't throwing money at this kid because of his great personality. It was because of the image he held. That picture directly and severely contradicts that image. Move on to the next false idol.
It is very interesting to how we view athletes in this country. I personally am ok with any character flaw a person may have if they can drive a ball 350 yards, hit 72 homers in a year, win 4 consecutive tour de france's, etc. I think America loves dirt so much they forget about why we like these athletes so much in the first place. They can do something nobody else on this planet can.
I don't disagree with you. I think that's true of professional sports where the "bad boy" image can actually get some play. In pro sports, you represent yourself and the corporation you work for, the purpose of the entire thing is to make money-money, make money-money-money. People like a young, single shortstop who gets more ass than a toilet seat. He'll probably be in fashion ads modeling watches and designer shoes. People (and corporate endorsement-seekers) don't mind a linebacker or a boxer who talks shit to an opponent.
The Olympics is a totally different animal. These are - supposedly and supposed to be - amateurs working and competing for the love of their country, for the honor of representing their country in competition where sportsmanship and honor are the highest ideals. In the public consciousness, these people aren't supposed to be cash-checking, bong-hitters chasing cocktail waitresses. There is never going to be a legitimate, bad boy of competitive swimming or gymnastics that will be embraced. Those people are bubble-gum Americana or they are unsavory.
It's a little bit like saying, "Fuck, just because I'm a high school driving instructor, people frown on my third DUI. It's an unfair double standard."
I would agree with that for the most part. Bode Miller was a bad boy that people seemed pretty enthralled with. Party all night tear up the slopes the next day. Though skiing is a bit different than swimming where your lungs are so important. Still we have all been on a sports team or known members of sports team and although weed is kept on the hush we all know it is done by many. I remeber smoking weed with a badger basketball player in my basement.
I just dont think this should be a big deal that is all. Amateur or proffesional, role model or not. Nobody is perfect and if smoking weed at a college house party is the worst thing you do than you are damn fine person in my eyes.
Agreed. I try not to throw stones at people who pulled the occasional bong rip. I don't have a problem with the kid personally, but I can understand an advertiser getting shy about dropping millions on him just associate their company image with Phelps' image. To be honest, I kind of like him better now. He's not too perfect of a little fucker anymore, plus he didn't pull any of this Clinton-esque, "I didn't inhale shit." He had the sack to say, "Yeah, that's a real picture, that's really me, I'm really hitting that bong and I drank the fucking bong water when I was done. Sorry 'bout that."
Now, maybe Cheetos or Dominos could work the munchy angle with him. "After a hard day in the pool and clearing a couple of monster bong rips, nothing satisfies me like an entire sleeve of DoubleStuf Oreos."
Seriously, though, even for those of us who aren't getting millions for anything, let your company find a picture of you on the internet pulling bong rips, and make sure a bunch of your customers / clients see it, too. Then, wait 5 minutes for the knock on your door.
No doubt there is a double standard for sure. In all sports that standard applies if you are the 1% that can play at the highest level. I should say 1/1000 of 1% that can play at the level. I agree I like him a bit more now, he is no longer a machine he is actually human. Oh and i dont feel bad for him, I just dont think anyone will drop him from sponsorship, for this. He is still the same guy, just likes to party, nothing wrong with that.
No doubt there is a double standard for sure. In all sports that standard applies if you are the 1% that can play at the highest level. I should say 1/1000 of 1% that can play at the level. I agree I like him a bit more now, he is no longer a machine he is actually human. Oh and i dont feel bad for him, I just dont think anyone will drop him from sponsorship, for this. He is still the same guy, just likes to party, nothing wrong with that.
Part of the problem is the stigma and illegality of marijuana. If he was caught ripping body shots off a 20 year old at a bar I doubt there would be nearly as much of a stink about this.
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