Ethics

Think of the Children!

By Ed Brayton

Michael Phelps, the Olympic gold medalist in swimming, is embroiled in a controversy after a photo surfaced of him smoking pot. All the world is aghast and the familiar cries of "oh no, what a horrible message this sends to his fans" are heard from every rooftop.

The U.S. Olympic Committee said it was "disappointed in the behavior recently exhibited by Michael Phelps," who was selected the group's sportsman of the year. He also was honored as AP male athlete of the year, and his feat in Beijing -- breaking Mark Spitz's 36-year-old record for most gold medals in an Olympics -- was chosen as the top story of 2008.

"Michael is a role model, and he is well aware of the responsibilities and accountability that come with setting a positive example for others, particularly young people," the USOC said in a statement. "In this instance, regrettably, he failed to fulfill those responsibilities."

Full post as published by Dispatches from the Culture Wars on February 02, 2009 (boomark / email).