by Liz Cosline

Created on: February 07, 2009

Yes, Michael will lose endorsements because he made the mistake to use an illegal substance. He became a young man that is in the public eye by winning so many medals. There are youngsters that will try to be like him, there will be swimmers that watch his films and try to do the same. He is young and young people at times make unfortunate decisions which now cause consequences. I am not in disagreement with Michael having some consequences. I do praise him for not trying to lie and for his apologetic manner. He showed maturity he how he has dealt with the confrontations from the news.

So there are consequences and I can understand why companies feel they can't seem like they condone such behavior. But there also should be a hope and expectation that a lesson has been learned by Michael Phelps. It seems that he is regretful. If this is so, then punishing him over and over makes no sense. With an assurance from him that it will not happen again, perhaps endorsements or opportunities could start up again having Michael understand that he then also represents the company he is working for.

Perhaps that is exactly what is left unclear when a celebrity does work in advertising certain products. Whether it is true or not the public associates that the celebrity at least believes in this product thus representing this company. It is not unreasonable for the company to expect good behavior so to speak, at least while being a part of this celebrity. Again Michael is young and hopefully has learned a lesson. I'm not trying to say he should be excused for his actions but instead believing he won't continue to make mistakes.

It is my hope that Michael Phelps is sincere and that he really believes it was a mistake. It is also my hope that this kind of thing will not happen again. Only time will tell this. If he continues sooner or later we will find out because he makes news and someone will turn him in or take another picture. But having it be a mistake or poor judgement means that he can decide not to have this happen again. In that respect it should not have to affect the ret of his life. How many consequences are enough? Unfortunately there will be different companies making this decision so it's hard to say how much he will lose. Hopefully as time goes by the reason to not use Michael will not continue to be about something that happened in the past. As long as it is something that does not repeat in the future.

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