Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Man Tries to Order Priciest Starbucks Drink Ever Total cost: $23.60 »

Phelps Not Sure If He'll Swim in 2012 Olympics

Swimmer struggling with fallout from 'stupid' bong encounter

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 5, 2009 7:09 AM CST

(Newser) – Michael Phelps is weighing whether to compete at the 2012 Olympics in the wake of fallout over his much-publicized encounter with a bong, he tells his hometown paper, the Baltimore Sun. Phelps still has goals to achieve in the sport and will talk his decision over with his family and coach, says the swimmer, but he "clearly made a mistake" and has been deeply embarrassed by it.

Phelps—who has been dogged by paparazzi over the past week and people shouting at his house through megaphones early in the morning—says returning to regular training has helped restore some calm to his life. "In the pool I'm back to my routine, the thing I love, the thing I care about most," he said. 

Michael Phelps walks to his vehicle after leaving the North Baltimore Aquatic Club yesterday.
Michael Phelps walks to his vehicle after leaving the North Baltimore Aquatic Club yesterday.   (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps leaves the North Baltimore Aquatic Club yesterday.
Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps leaves the North Baltimore Aquatic Club yesterday.   (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

This is a decision of mine that I'm not going to make today and I'm not going to make tomorrow. It's going to require a lot of time and energy and a lot of thinking for myself.
- Michael Phelps on whether he'll compete in the 2012 London Olympics

This was stupid, and I know this won't happen again. It's obviously bad judgment and it's something I'm not proud of at all. I will say that with the mistakes that I've made in my life, I've learned from them. - Michael Phelps

Nobody's perfect. But for Michael to go through our trials, our training camp, and then the Olympics, which is unbelievably stressful, without any down time, that's hard. Still, it's not an excuse. - Coach Bob Bowman

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 8 comments
Guest
Feb 6, 2009 10:10 PM CST
I don't care if he ever get back into the swim, Phelps has lost his shine (IMO). Even if they legalized pot for people like him, he still has broken other laws like driving drunk, he has proven that fame has gone to his head and he isn't a responsible person and certainly no role model for our children. Kudos to Kellogg for caring about who their role models should be. . . . . Like others who have fallen from grace - Phelps has to learn the hard way - that talent is a small part of what makes a good person. . . . . and role model. . .
riffran
Feb 6, 2009 2:19 AM CST
yep all over weed......But look at Willy Nelson, Snoop dog, and some others, they are proud of the fact that they toke, and don't hide it.....I'll get upset about Phelps doing something dumb, when I see every other celebrity catch the same hell
Shannonals
Feb 6, 2009 12:09 AM CST
All this over weed?

More Newser Stories

Miley Cyrus: I'm a Stoner

Drones to Patrol Olympics

Ex Classmate: Rand Paul Kidnapped Me to Do Bong Hits

Phelps Flops in Old-Style Suit

Drug Policy Hypocrisy: Hero Lance Is Selling Beer


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne