Michael Phelps Suspended from Competition

Michael Phelps Suspended from Competition
Copyright 2009 Bryan Bedder / Getty Images
After Michael Phelps was depicted in a published photo allegedly inhaling from a marijuana bong, the Olympic great has lost swimming competition privileges and a major endorsement deal.

The Associated Press reports that USA Swimming has suspended Phelps for three months of competition and cut off his financial support during that period.

"This is not a situation where any anti-doping rule was violated, but we decided to send a strong message to Michael because he disappointed so many people, particularly the hundreds of thousands of USA Swimming member kids who look up to him as a role model and a hero," the federation said in a statement, according to the AP. "Michael has voluntarily accepted this reprimand and has committed to earn back our trust."

The 23-year-old also lost an endorsement deal with cereal and snack maker Kellogg Thursday, the Associated Press reports.

Phelps, who won eight gold medals in the Beijing Olympics, recently apologized for his "regrettable" actions and "bad judgment."

According to the AP, Phelps has held onto his major sponsors -- Visa Inc., Speedo, as well as others.

Published 2/5/09 by the Insider

Comments (7)

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  • fghjjjjk 1/23/10 Reply
  • Well, he is not an honest man, I saw his dating profile at a ...........www com.............. with username jugdethme. what does he want? Looking for a beauty or a wealthy woman?
    Anonymous 2/7/09 Reply
  • This is rediculous. I may not like the way the stuff tastes, but nobody seems to notice that more lives have been ruined by alcohol and ciggarettes. Seriously. What the hell! And whoever that person is who said he needs to go to a mental institution, well I think that you do, just for saying that. This partcualar glimpse of his life shows no reason for there to be anything wrong with him. I am discusted with the way people have reacted.
    EliseC2 2/6/09 Reply
  • He is famous because of the olympic. Now this guy is trying to get public attention. Wierd!!!!! beside his gold he got, he is ugly anyway. Just ban him from any kind of the event. Give to others. It is true, nobody perfect. At least don't use that word as excuses. For me, he need go to the mental health.
    Anonymous 2/6/09 Reply
  • Phelps never signed up to be Perfect Idol of the year. He is still a Great Swimmer, and nice young man. Such a shame that our society demands the best. Other countries were laughing at us, when thoughts of impeachment surfaced for Clinton over Monica. No one is PERFECT.
    Anonymous 2/5/09 Reply
  • i hope he is sincere...
    Anonymous 2/5/09 Reply
  • wow:)
    NeverLetGo 2/5/09 Reply