Michael Phelps's Olympic-size Debacle!!

In August 2008, Michael Phelps carved a legacy of dominance in competitive swimming.  He won a record eight gold medals and cut a swath through the Beijing Olympics.  The victories earned him worldwide celebrity.  He made guest spots on America's talk-show channels, including Jay Leno and David Letterman.  He also opened for the famed Saturday Night Live program.  And finally, he cheered from the Owner's box for his hometown, Baltimore Ravens.  He had it all.

And, a British tabloid newspaper probably took that "all" way.

Yesterday, the News of the World published an exclusive photograph of Phelps smoking marijuana.  The picture release came as a shocker for "America's newest heartthrob". 

He admitted the picture's authenticity and issued this statement.

"I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment.  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."

Last year, America endured sprinter, Marion Jones' steroid scandal.  To this day, she hasn't been forgiven.  Phelps' marijuana use was a much larger fall.  Be assured.  America has already forgiven and forgotten his transgression for obvious reasons.

Source: Paul Newberry's article "Phelps Acknowledges Photo Showing Him Smoking Marijuana" (AP) 2/1/09