Originally posted by newmastersswimmer
I didn't realize you would get your panties in a wod over it
As a new masters swimmer, I have to take you under my wing and let you know they aren't panties, they are called Speedos. As you grow into Masters, you will come to realize that calling then panties perpetuates a bad stereotype about us. Jammers are an popular alternative if you feel they are pantey-esque.
And, as you grow into adulthood, you will realize that drinking and driving is wrong and no one goes on camera to apologize for running a stop sign, dude.
Originally posted by aquageek
Phelps admitted his "mistake." So, why are you now trying to blame the police for taking away poor little Mikey's endorsements? Even if he did drink police should not be allowed to profile. If they laid in wait???
I was a cop and my partner wanted to lay in wait for a known drunk but I told him not with me. I am not saying this happened but anything is possible.
George
Phelps admitted his "mistake." So, why are you now trying to blame the police for taking away poor little Mikey's endorsements?
Well, I for one would like to hear all of the facts surrounding this case before I jump to any conclusions or jump to any judgements.
I've noticed that you have expressed some pretty strong opinions here (and certainly that is your right)....but I have also been able to see some other members points too when you have been a little adversarial with them to say the least. There's nothing wrong with a healthy debate...but one of the rules of a healthy debate should be to at least try and see the other person's point of view as well....for example: I think I can relate to what hooked-on-swimming has been trying to say to some degree.....I don't think he is trying to excuse Micheal from what he did....but just sort of pointing out a version of the famous scripture in the new testament that says something like ...we shouldn't reach out to pull the grain of sand from someone else's eye before we first try and remove the 2 by 4 from our own eye...(paraphrased version only since I don't really know the exact words for that scripture)....I can't beleive I'm quoting a scripture anyway b/c I'm not even a Republican LOL!!
newmastersswimmer
Originally posted by aquageek
Here comes the debate police. As an old poster on this forum once said, kum ba yah.
FACT - he admitted his "mistake." What more info do you need or are you looking for a way to make drinking and driving acceptable?
Sorry but I am still going to wait and see. Here we go deciding guilt before the trail. I still think OJ was innocent. Maybe Phelps only said he was sorry for going through the stop street.
George
FACT - he admitted his "mistake." What more info do you need or are you looking for a way to make drinking and driving acceptable?
Well let's see.... The "info" that I would like is basically the real facts of the story whatever they might be....Sounds like so far we don't really know a whole lot about the situation (other than he ran a stop sign)....What was his actual Blood Alcohol level? Did he actually take a breathalizer?.....Did he do a "hollywood stop" at the stop sign where he "almost came to a complete stop" or did he just barrell through the stop sign??.....I think it's possible that since Micheal seems to be a pretty nice guy, that he not only cooperated fully with the police (and was probably very polite) but he might of been bullied a bit by the officer....What exactly made the officer think that he had been drinking?...If he asked Micheal if he had been drinking and let's say he had a beer an hour or two ago...being an honest kind of guy, maybe he said, "Yes officer, I did have one beer an hour or two ago" and the overanxious police officer took that as reason to arrest him.....Who exactly knows anyway??...Maybe he was sloshed out of his mind?? I would just like to know a few more facts about the case that's all....Do you know all of the facts??...You seem to want to crucify him upside down though...I can certainly see that!
newmastersswimmer
I for one have always been of mind that any MAN or WOMAN who is old enough to lay down their lives for this county at 18 and 19 years old....and is mature enough to do that....then they darn sure are mature enough to drink....Talk about a double standard!
The thing that should be considered is his BAC. The mere fact that he had even a hint of alcohol could have gotten him a DUI simply because he is underage. He could have had half a beer and then drove. He could operate perfectly normal but since he was underage, even the slightest hint of alcohol would land you a DUI. I think what everyone really wants to know is his BAC, unfortunatly it doesn't sound like that will be released any time soon.
~Kyra
Just a thought in most places in Canada the drinking age is 18. You can go to war at 18 and can not drink in Maryland. I don't think it is right to drink and drive but -------- you have already convicted him.
George
The only facts we are missing is how drunk he was.
What??? Lets forget for a moment about how much he had been drinking and ask how much you have been smoking?.....Do you actually read anything before you start shooting off?? I don't think you have been reading a lot of people posts around here....You keep accusing everyone of taking poor Mikey's side and excusing the act of drinking and driving ...but when I read those peoples posts your accusing this of; I don't see that at all.....Since when did hooked-on-swimming ever say that it was o.k. to drink and drive (or anyone else on this thread for that matter??)...You have said multiple times that some people on this thread seem to think it's o.k. to do that.....Dude....Here's some advice....Start actually reading peoples posts first before you jump right in accusing people of this or that.....You don't know any of the facts that I said were still in question...all you know is that Phelps apologized for his behavior and said he was sorry....I hope you never try to become a lawyer sometime down the road....You will be easy roadkill my friend!
newmastersswimmer
It is hard to accept that a swimmer who has brought so much fame, and inspired so many, has hit the media in a more tarnished light.
It can be argued that the media may have blown this out of propotion. Or they may have stated the facts as they understood them. Assumptions could have been made. This is not clear. However, the common thread seems to revlove around consumption of alcohol and driving, combined with a traffic offence.
I believe it is a known fact that alcohol affects thinking, perception, judgement, coordination, reaction time and even personality. And these all differ with each individual person.
If you have ever known anyone who has been hit by an impaired driver, the effects can be catastrophic.
The Laws are there to protect us all.
When a law is broken, there are consequences.
Obviously only a priveledged few will ever know the 'facts' in this case.
IF an officer pulls a driver over for whatever reason, and feels the need to enquire about alcohol, then that is their job.
The results of their findings requires them to take the necessary steps and actions.
AS it has been stated, the 'facts' aren't very clear. However drinking and driving is not a responsible action for any adult regardless of creed, age or 'celebrity status'.
We are all humans, we will all make mistakes.
I am sure Mr. Phelps has a whole ton of emotions over this one.
I am sure he is thankful no harm was done to anyone.
It is how he deals with this that is important.
He will still be regarded as an almighty swimmer. That shouldn't change.
Learning from, and admitting a mistake are 2 good first steps.
