I don't know if this story is true or not, but figured it would be of interest to everyone here.
msnbc.msn.com/id/6437288/
Former Member
Originally posted by kaffrinn
Maybe what Michael Phelps did can be characterized as a crime, gravely wrong, and a mistake as well.
In our culture a "mistake" can easily be excused. A crime cannot. There is nothing about drunk driving that is in any way excusable - ever. When drunk driving is described as a "mistake" instead of as a "crime" we are simply asking for more of the same. Would you ever refer to getting drunk and going outside and shooting bullets indiscriminately around the neighborhood as a "mistake"? Drunk driving is no different.
I wish it was none of my business. But I've got one son who currently looks up to Michael as a superhero and another who's at least pretty darned impressed by the guy. What happens here is, inescapably, going to have an effect on both my boys. I hope it will be the right effect.
In reality, it could be someones business if it goes to trial and people are chosen for the civic duty of being on the jury. Although I see a low profile, plead out to judge and take his punishement.
I am curious if anyone knows his alcohol level. Also just heard on raido reason he was drinking was because he is upset with his back problems and can not perform at level he has in past. Anyone else here this? Oh, and speaking of bullett emmet, doesn't Phelps drive one of the biggest ones, a SUV
Originally posted by born2fly
I am curious if anyone knows his alcohol level. Also just heard on raido reason he was drinking was because he is upset with his back problems and can not perform at level he has in past. Anyone else here this?
I have not heard that but I can certainly understand how he might be upset. I don't know about his back injury but the DUI he can easily recover from.
Originally posted by swimr4life
I made the mistake of priding myself on being part of a sport that didn't have young hot shot stars that thought they were above the law.
From reading the stories in the papers and the quotes he has given, I think he knows that what he did was extremely wrong. I had the chance to meet him and talk to him for a minute and he seems like the kind of person that will take this experience and learn from it. If you were celebrity in this situation, I don't think anyone would do it again. Not only is he in trouble with the law, but his parents, his fans, his sponsors, his coach. He may have done one stupid thing, but I don't think he's dumb enough to do it again considering everything that he has on the line. He is at the start of an amazing career and I hope that one speed bump won't stop him.
~Kyra
What's done is done. We don't need to drag him through the mud because of his mistake. I swear some people make first time DUI offenders out to be satan reincarnated. It's bad, yes. But I think it is safe to say that he learned from it and won't do it again. I don't think any kids will look at Phelps and say "Wow, DUI sounds like fun, let's go get loaded and drive around town". As far as him being fined by USA Swimming, that is ridiculous.
I was very disappointed to hear this story. Swimming has benefited from such good publicity recently with the Olympics and World Champs. Compared to other sports, our star athletes are generally seen as respectful, intelligent people who work hard, play fair and serve as good role models. That is certainly still true.
Unfortunately, something like this was bound to happen with the increased public visibility of someone like Michael Phelps. I hope he does the right thing, as others have suggested, and take the opportunity to counsel other young people about the dangers of drunk driving.
My own children are too young for this now, but what a teaching opportunity for parents and coaches...not to condemn Michael, but to strongly condemn his action in front of young people so that they may be positively influenced by this unfortunate event.
