Michael Phelps: Token White Guy

By now, you’ve seen the photo of Michael Phelps smoking marijuana, so I’m not going to post it again here. But I am asking myself a serious question. One that the public, his sponsors, and the IOC should be asking themselves, why the free pass?
In less than 24 hours after the pictures were released, all was well between Phelps, the IOC, and most of Phelp’s sponsors. How can that be? He’s the single most recognizable athlete to young Americans, and they are going to condone him doing drugs? I’m sorry, but I’m calling bull shit on this one. I can’t help but wonder, if it wasn’t Phelps, if it was a black sprinter, or a Clinton Portis, what would be happening to them right now?
My guess is they would be dropped like a hot potato from their sponsors and facing punishment from the IOC or the NFL. They may also be labeled trouble makers or hoodlums.
Charles Barkley lost his job for getting a DUI last month. This latest incident with Phelps just adds to his resume. He had a DWI back in 2004, now he’s smoking pot. The SI Sportsman of the year, the guy on children’s cereal boxes, and the guys kids are immolating right now at a pool near you.
With every week after the Olympics past, Phelps was seen somewhere partying. New York City, Miami Beach, or Vegas. I don’t think that’s the type of role model our children of today need. I liked Phelps, and I rooted for him for 2 weeks last summer. But I’m gonna pass on grass, no free rides from me.
I’ll just leave you with this. If your child sits down in front of a computer today and googles Michael Phelps, what are they going to see?