Phelps Poll!

I think Michael is lucky. Why? First of all no one was hurt or killed! Thank God! I am very strongly opposed to drinking and driving. As everyone else has said he made a mistake. It’s not for any of us to decide whether or not he should lose sponsors or to what extent of the law he should be prosecuted. I drank before I was 21. Most people I know did. Was it “illegal”? Yes. Was I in college and “invincible”? Yes. Michael Phelps knows nothing but swimming. For the last four years (and most of his life) he has done nothing but swim, sleep and eat. He now has a lot of money and fame. He’s also injured and probably bored. (He needs to get his butt to Michigan and get back into the pool, but that’s a story for another day) I don’t know very many 19 year old guys that could handle the fame and money any better. How many times did you hear about Britney Spears getting drunk and doing stupid things or Paris Hilton (Colin Farrell, Russell Crowe - both of whom are significantly older)? I am in no way shape or form defending Michael’s actions. I don’t understand why one of the sober people in the car wasn’t driving. Maybe he was being protective of his car, maybe he didn’t realized how much he had to drink (no excuse), maybe he was thinking hey, I’m Michael Phelps, what wrong could happen, maybe he wasn’t thinking at all. I was not at all surprised when I heard about Michael. I do however, like the fact that he stepped up (even if it was after the media reports, because how many of you would have stepped up before them?) and admitted that what he did was wrong and that it was inexcusable. He didn’t try to blame the cops or deny things. That does take a certain amount of responsibility and maturity. He didn’t run and hide from the allegations either and totally snub the press. Also I’d like to know how many of you would turn down free top legal counsel. Lawyers are VERY expensive. I can see the “fluff” piece on this during the next Olympics ... “He was the golden boy in Athens, then just a few short months later his world was turned upside down when he was arrested for a DUI. He was injured and floundering ...” *gag* can’t you all just see it now, though? I think he absolutely should suffer the consequences of his actions... I am sure most 19 year olds aren't thrown in the slammer for a year for a DUI ... likely his license will be suspended (won't it be a B*tch to get him to early AM workouts?), he'll do community service, and pay a fine, which is what most other 19 year olds would do. On a side note, is he ever going to start training again?

I think Michael is lucky. Why? First of all no one was hurt or killed! Thank God! I am very strongly opposed to drinking and driving. As everyone else has said he made a mistake. It’s not for any of us to decide whether or not he should lose sponsors or to what extent of the law he should be prosecuted. I drank before I was 21. Most people I know did. Was it “illegal”? Yes. Was I in college and “invincible”? Yes. Michael Phelps knows nothing but swimming. For the last four years (and most of his life) he has done nothing but swim, sleep and eat. He now has a lot of money and fame. He’s also injured and probably bored. (He needs to get his butt to Michigan and get back into the pool, but that’s a story for another day) I don’t know very many 19 year old guys that could handle the fame and money any better. How many times did you hear about Britney Spears getting drunk and doing stupid things or Paris Hilton (Colin Farrell, Russell Crowe - both of whom are significantly older)? I am in no way shape or form defending Michael’s actions. I don’t understand why one of the sober people in the car wasn’t driving. Maybe he was being protective of his car, maybe he didn’t realized how much he had to drink (no excuse), maybe he was thinking hey, I’m Michael Phelps, what wrong could happen, maybe he wasn’t thinking at all. I was not at all surprised when I heard about Michael. I do however, like the fact that he stepped up (even if it was after the media reports, because how many of you would have stepped up before them?) and admitted that what he did was wrong and that it was inexcusable. He didn’t try to blame the cops or deny things. That does take a certain amount of responsibility and maturity. He didn’t run and hide from the allegations either and totally snub the press. Also I’d like to know how many of you would turn down free top legal counsel. Lawyers are VERY expensive. I can see the “fluff” piece on this during the next Olympics ... “He was the golden boy in Athens, then just a few short months later his world was turned upside down when he was arrested for a DUI. He was injured and floundering ...” *gag* can’t you all just see it now, though? I think he absolutely should suffer the consequences of his actions... I am sure most 19 year olds aren't thrown in the slammer for a year for a DUI ... likely his license will be suspended (won't it be a B*tch to get him to early AM workouts?), he'll do community service, and pay a fine, which is what most other 19 year olds would do. On a side note, is he ever going to start training again?