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UK Tabloid Says It Caught Phelps With Bong

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 31, 2009 10:22 PM CST

(Newser) – Michael Phelps may be getting a little too relaxed in the swimming off-season. The British tabloid News of the World has published a photo that it says shows the Olympic king taking a hit from a bong. No word yet from the Phelps camp, but the tabloid says the swimmer offered to write a regular column for the paper and steer advertisers its way if it killed the photo. If true, it could hurt his Olympic career, not to mention his endorsements.

The photo was allegedly snapped at a University of South Carolina party in November. “He looked just as natural with a bong in his hands as he does swimming in the pool," the tabloid quotes one attendee as saying. "He was the gold medal winner of bong hits." To see the photo, which purports to show Phelps in profile, click on the link.

In this June 29, 2008, file photo, Michael Phelps swims to victory in the men's 400-meter individual medley finals at the US Olympic swimming trials.
In this June 29, 2008, file photo, Michael Phelps swims to victory in the men's 400-meter individual medley finals at the US Olympic swimming trials.   (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
U.S. Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps reacts after hitting his knee on the table during a press conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009.
U.S. Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps reacts after hitting his knee on the table during a press conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009.   (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps holds a press conference during the 3rd Global Competitiveness Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009.
Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps holds a press conference during the 3rd Global Competitiveness Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009.   (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
In this Aug. 16, 2008, file photo, United States' Michael Phelps reacts as he wins gold in the final of the men's 100-meter butterfly.
In this Aug. 16, 2008, file photo, United States' Michael Phelps reacts as he wins gold in the final of the men's 100-meter butterfly.   (AP Photo/Mark Baker, File)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 14 comments
Caps
Feb 2, 2009 2:48 AM CST
Newser, again thanks for taking out the CK with his insulting remarks.
Mr.C
Feb 1, 2009 4:44 AM CST
Yeah, it does make you less human. The world already knows he is really a robot.
Newser001
Feb 1, 2009 3:35 AM CST
Mad - It wasn't his disagreements, I have absolutely no problem with that aspect - We are all entitled to our own opinions. It's when we use over the top, rude, insolent, demeaning terms, over and over and over is when someone has to step up, calling a spade a spade. It was his absolutely despicable ways in which he coined his thoughts, clearly inflammatory, stating, anyone who disagreed with his philosophies, views, position, posturing were unquestionably Un-American, peppered with intolerant, demeaning, clearly offensive language. As a parent, it is inconceivable anyone at his age would use such language to express his opinions. But it was always the same ration of disproportionate insults to anyone who expressed concern or openness to another way of thought, apposed to his extreme far-right thought processes. As adults we evolve, learn how to express ourselves through vocabulary and discourse... If all in government postured themselves the way he did, it would be true anarchy - no progress, no compromise, nothing but chaos. To speak as he did represented an unbridled child, and NEWSER clearly agreed. The [flag this comment] option is there for a reason. WE didn't jeopardize his freedom of speech, we attempted to persuade him over countless months, to encourage him to use a more appropriate means of expression. Again, understand, this has been going on for months on end. When addressed by NEWSER directly, his tone took an abrupt turn for the better. But as time passed, he slowly but surely returned to his native tongue. Its a public form, yes, but that's no excuse for inflaming hatred, prejudice, as he was clearly inciting. But, clearly - YOU do not exhibit such characteristics and I greatly respect you for your posturing and wouldn't consider insulting your position, as I've no right to, as long as you use a manner devoid of vilification and vile terms. You have every right to make your point, as you've done so, without insulting anyone in the process. And I thank you for that.

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