I wasn’t that surprised when my friend e-mailed the story of Olympic golden boy, Michael Phelps, getting caught with his lips wrapped around a tall glass bong pipe during a party last November. I honestly didn’t think I would be seeing Phelps until the next string of Olympics games in 2012. Yes, yes gold is great, but apparently cannabis is waaaaaay better, as I’m sure Phelps would agree.

At first, I thought the story just good old fashion tabloid spew for the people who follow D-list celebrities. That was until I realized that ANY kind of drug use if strictly prohibited in the Olympics. After hearing stories about athletes taking part in the Olympics who were using steroids, I figured steroids were the benchmark in getting banned from participating. I guess I was wrong.

First of all, what the hell was he thinking? You’re a goddamned Olympic icon!! Has no one told you over and over again what NOT to do in public? Not to mention in a place where cell phones and digital cameras are probably being carried around by everyone and their brother. I want to say the fame may have down to his head – along with the fumes. Or maybe this bong moment just didn’t register as a ‘take a second and think about what your doing’ instance. Maybe he’s one of those guys that if your not in the pool, you don’t think your outside activities can possibly harm your career.

But on the other hand, so what? Maybe he needed it more medical use—- or not. Or maybe this whole scandal could enhance his career. In the unlikelihood that the Olympic drug nay-sayers kick him from the athletic ranks, Phelps could very easily transition his career into a spokesperson for cannabis clubs and such. I bet if anything the number people who smoke weed are higher than the amount of people who eat Wheaties for breakfast … I’m just saying.
—Eming Piansay