Phelps Poll!

The olympic ice skater referenced earlier was Oksana Bayule (sp.) who had a run in with a tree (I think) after a party.

You should not be so quick to judge someone by what you read, Geek. You weren't there; you don't know. I concur with Fred; there is too much irreputable material being provided to the media to discern fact from fiction. Fact: Michael Phelps drove drunk. Stupidly. Irresponsibly. Fact: He will face a judge and be punished according to Maryland's laws, and the judge's discretion. Fact: No one on here is saying it's okay to drink and drive if you're famous. That's ridiculous. We're saying (at least I am) that he's going to be punished according to state laws. It's stupid that everyone thinks they're entitled to step up and take a swing too. Like kicking an injured person. It is not up to us to judge him. Period. Unless one thinks it fair that we also publish one's mistakes in the newspaper and then judge one. Since I'm not that brave, I reserve the right to judge myself, and nobody else.

Also, for Craig: you're right. He's gotta learn to accept that everything he does is pretty much going to be published, good with bad. It's a lesson he's learned the hard way, and will eventually run it's course, but not without leaving behind an impression.

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?

Originally posted by SwiminONandON 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)? And none of whom are Olympians. On the other hand, perhaps that title doesn't mean as much as we once thought it did.

I am not saying that Mike couldn't afford lawyers, obviously he can. And as someone previously stated there are likely more than a few that would do it for the publicitiy, but I still wouldn't turn down free top legal help ... maybe that's just me....

I have to agree with you. I wouldn't turn down free top legal either. He did something stupid (as most of us have done), and yes, I grew up drinking before I was 21 as well, as did most of the people I knew. Yes, it was dumb and illegal, but the consequences should be the same for him as any other teen that got a dui. As for sponsorship, that's up to them to decide, and I agree with Heather that it's impressive to see someone face this situation with the amount of responsibility that he has, I've seen many other supposed 'role models' shirk away from taking responsibilities before, and it's refreshing to see someone act respectfully and responsibly.

My sense of it is that more will be accomplished in a positive way by having him do *appropriate* community service. This could be anything from working with organizations like DARE, MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) or SADD (Students Against Drunk Driving). A jail sentence would help no one, whereas someone with his reputation could find a way to bring good from potential harm. This isn't only about Michael Phelps. It's about how to prevent future drunk driving by Phelps and others. Some have questioned his sincerity in owning up for what he did. I tend to think he was sincere--young, perhaps scared at first to go public, but finally pulling himself together and coming around to doing the right thing. Sainthood takes a lifetime to achieve. He's human and like most of us learning from experience. So the most constructive way to respond is to give him the chance to continue learning and others the chance to learn from him to avoid his mistake.

I miss the 70s.

None of the choices apply. Did he hurt anyone? Allgedly he help a smoking device with something in it.