by Tom Schiavon

Created on: February 09, 2009

Michael Phelps accomplished many amazing during the 2008 Summer Olympics. He proved to the world that he was the best swimmer that ever donned a Speedo. In the wake of his success he gained international fame and lucrative endorsement contracts that the average person could never attain. As a result of his success he became a role model. He may not have asked for that role but it is an inescapable aspect of life in the spotlight.

He has also admitted that it was him in the photo smoking marijuana. As a result he has lost some of his contracts and has been suspended by his sport's governing body. These are harsh repercussions but I believe that they are fitting for what he has done for several reasons.

First, he knew what he was doing. He may be young but he is not stupid, and he had to be well aware of what the implications would be if e were caught. He still chose to smoke a substance that is illegal both in his sport and the court of law. He is no different than anyone else in his circumstances who would have been caught. He knew the rules and broke them, and in doing so he was agreeing to any fallout that might come afterward.

Second, he should have known that the spotlight would be on his personal life. I think that the paparazzi and their constant hovering over celebrities is ridiculous and unethical. But the reality is that it is part of the territory of stardom, whether the celebrity likes it or not. IN that case, one has to either be especially careful or indifferent to the consequences. I feel bad for any celebrity in that position, but it's just the way things are.

Finally, Michael Phelps probably could have lied about it if he wanted to. Being accused of smoking marijuana by a British tabloid is not something many people would have taken very seriously. He could have denied the article was true and moved on with his life and nobody would have known the difference. He has decided to take the higher road, which is the braver thing to do, but it will have its nasty fall out. I'm sure that whoever is his agent or adviser told him this, but he went on with it anyway.

Is Michale Phelps being treated fairly? Absolutely. He is no different than anyone else, and doesn't deserve a break because of his stardom. The sport and his sponsors run the risk of making their products a mockery were they to allow him to go unpunished. I believe he will be acquiescent to whatever stipulations are imposed on him for his return to the sport. If he continues to work hard and get himself back into the sport I believe the watching world should treat him fairly and give him the second chance he is likely longing for at the moment.

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