Michael Phelps Pot-Smoking Pic
Michael Phelps apologizes for "regrettable behavior." Still no word from his marketing firm on the hush-bribe allegation. AP: In a statement released to The Associated Press, the swimmer who won a record eight gold medals at the Beijing Games did not dispute the authenticity of the exclusive picture published Sunday by the tabloid News of the World.
''I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment,'' Phelps said. ''I'm 23 years old and despite the successes I've had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again.''
EARLIER: A UK tabloid photo of "Michael Phelps" taking a bong hit has captivated web searchers this morning. "Michael Phelps smoking weed," "phelps marijuana," and other related terms are soaring up the Google Trends charts.
What's interesting from a business perspective, though, is the alleged attempt of Michael Phelps' marketing firm, Octagon, to kill the story:
Michael Phelps is represented by marketing giant Octagon, which works with huge brands such as Mastercard and HSBC. They admitted proven cannabis use would be “a major taint” on Phelps’ character.
Spokesman Clifford Bloxham offered us an extraordinary deal not to publish our story, saying Michael Phelps would become our columnist for three years, host events and get his sponsors to advertise with us.
In return, he asked that we kill Micheal Phelps’ bong picture. Bloxham said: “It’s seeing if something potentially very negative for Michael Phelps could turn into something very positive for the News of the World.”
Michael Phelps : 'Sorry' for Pot Pics
Tarnished golden boy Michael Phelps has issued a public apology to his fans after a controversial photo surfaced of him smoking marijuana was published in the London tabloids.
The U.S. Olympic Committee also released a statement regarding the pictures of Michael Phelps toking on a bong. It reads: "We are disappointed in the behavior recently exhibited by Michael Phelps. Michael Phelps is a role model, and he is well aware of the responsibilities and accountability that come with setting a positive example for others, particularly young people.
"In this instance, regrettably, he failed to fulfill those responsibilities. Michael Phelps has acknowledged that he made a mistake and apologized for his actions. We are confident that, going forward, Michael Phelps will consistently set the type of example we all expect from a great Olympic champion."
This isn't the first time that the 14-time Olympic gold medalist found himself diving into hot water -- Michael Phelps plead guilty to a drunk driving charge in 2004, right before swimming to multiple victories in the Athens Summer Games. He expressed regret and publicly apologized for that incident as well.
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