[Professional Blog] A little help for Phelps

You've seen the picture countless times - though here it is once more - and most of you have already passed judgement on Phelps' faux-pas. Eight-time Olympic gold medallist caught sucking back on a bong at a college fraternity party. Tsk, tsk, tsk. Since then, the human fish has lost a chunk of change in sponsorships, been suspended for three months from U.S.A. Swimming, and now the Richland County Sheriff's Department are apparently investigating to see if they can charge someone. Furthermore, he's been vilified and painted as some sort of criminal by the mainstream media. But did Michael Phelps do anything wrong? No, I don't think so. He didn't sell it to any kids. He didn't kill anyone during his sodden state. No sorority girls are pressing charges. And it's pot! Heck President Obama did it frequently when he was young. Now as to whether or not Michael Phelps did something dumb? Well, absolutely. If you're the current reigning American hero, but you also happen to be a 23-year-old guy who partakes in some recreational drug use with his peers because he enjoy to do so and it's his life, use some discretion, man. In today's world, where every cell-phone camera carrying technophile is a potential TMZ.com or Enquirer employee, maybe you limit your socially questionable behaviour to the company of people who won't sell you out for a cool million. In other words, next time you hit a bong, do it in your best friend's basement. It'll be like your own little sitcom. Fortunately for Phelps, people forgive and forget easily. Especially when the extra-famous sports heroes are concerned. Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Dany Heatley have all have serious miscues in their personal life and each bounced back (though I'm sure the Heater would sooner be locked up than wear a Sens' sweater nowadays.) But with this and his under-age DUI five years ago, Phelps might be running out of water before he hits the wall.