Michael Phelps now suspended by the US Swimming Assoc

[Neil]

Most of you have probably seen by now, but US Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps has now been suspended for 3 months. This following a photo that was taken of Michael at a frat party in South Carolina.

http://www.cctv.com/program/sportsscene/20090202/images/1233537524529_1233537524529_r.jpg

Michael did apologize for the picture, and did not deny it's authenticity. My question is do you believe the suspension was fair and warranted?

Discuss. This section has been boring. It needed attention...

[nikki4982]

I think the whole thing is absolutely ridiculous. Though what's worse is that someone sold that picture to the press. What a lameoid.

[xjsb125]

If he has violated their substance abuse policy, then yes. I'd like to read through their policy, and find out what the restrictions for it are, whether it relates to just actual competition, training, or just everyday life. If their policy only covers his actual participation in the sport, then the answer is no, he does not deserve to be suspended.

It's obviously not a drug that is going to give him an unfair advantage in competition. I'm not even sure what drugs USA Swim tests for, all performance enhancing ones more than likely, but I just don't know about recreational drugs.

His suspension and it's merit is all based on the policies he's agreed to. Otherwise, it's a big blow for him professionally, because I'm sure he will lose all his endorsements, and probably the respect of millions. I'd chalk it up to wanting to fit in and escape the pressure. Lesson: Don't do anything you wouldn't want your mom to read about in the paper.

[MindsOnLoan]

I can somewhat understand why they would suspend him, as it wouldn't make the US "look good" having us represented by him.. So while I understand why it was done, I can't say I agree with it. As Matt said, it's not a drug that would benefit him or give an unfair advantage. Also, it was a photo from a party, not results from an illegal drug test, so can that even be done? Even so, I don't really view marijuana as a serious issue. It's never been something I've taken part in, but it's not something that will devastate someone's life.

[Neil]

Funny you've mentioned that Matt.... I haven't looked in to it further, myself, but I swore I initially heard on ESPN that he did not violate the policy because he's currently in the off-season.

If the season were to begin and then he failed a drug test. That would be a violation. However, it seems as though I was hearing otherwise this morning on Sportcenter. That it was in fact a violation. So... Yeah. Not sure on that.

Shockingly, only Kellogg's have dropped Phelps from sponsorship. Omega, Speedo's (Johnny's personal fav), and his other major endorsement all say they will not drop him and stand by him. Time will tell if that stays true.

It's unfortunate. That somebody had to stoop that low to take a photo of him having a good time. A good time in his eyes. I'm not agreeing with his judgement at all.

When it comes to weed I tend to put my own personal view ahead of whats technical. That marijuana is illegal. But that's another discussion which we've had before I think...

[Neil]

I can somewhat understand why they would suspend him, as it wouldn't make the US "look good" having us represented by him.. So while I understand why it was done, I can't say I agree with it. As Matt said, it's not a drug that would benefit him or give an unfair advantage. Also, it was a photo from a party, not results from an illegal drug test, so can that even be done? Even so, I don't really view marijuana as a serious issue. It's never been something I've taken part in, but it's not something that will devastate someone's life.

Right. Exactly. I could see if they now chose to drug test him. He fails. Suspended. That makes perfect sense.

Just being hypothetical. What if there wasn't weed in that bong? We all know based on common sense that clearly that's not the case. Also Phelps did not deny what the picture showed, so that makes it obvious. However, if Phelps had said what you saw was not weed. It was tobacco. Then what?

[xjsb125]

Then the burden of proof would fall on Phelps. They would have reasonable cause to warrant Phelps taking a drug test.

Out of the hypothetical situation, here is the information from their website on drug testing:

Athletes who have achieved an end of the year Top 50 World Ranking (SCM/LCM) are required to submit detailed Athlete Location Forms indicating their whereabouts each quarter. Athletes provide information such as their living address, training location, training schedule, and competition schedule and are eligible to be tested at any time, without prior notification, and may be tested by USADA, FINA and WADA. Once an athlete has achieved this ranking and is on the FINA Out-of-Competition drug-testing roster, he or she can be removed only by completing a form indicating retirement from competition. Athletes who are representing the U.S. in major international competitions are also subject to out-of-competition testing, along with National Team Members and athletes receiving direct athlete support from the USOC.

Prohibited Classes and Methods
Classes of substances Prohibited at all times (in and out of competition) include:
1) Anabolic Agents
A. Anabolic Androgenic Steroids
B. Other Anabolic Agents
2) Beta-2 Agonists (certain B-2 Agonists require an ATUE form be on file)
3) Hormones and Related Substances
4) Diuretics and other masking agents
5) Agents with Anti-Estrogenic Activity
Prohibited Methods (prohibited in and out of competition) include:
1) Enhancement of oxygen transfer
2) Chemical and Physical Manipulation.
3) Gene Doping
Classes of prohibited substances prohibited in competition include:
1) Stimulants
2) Narcotics
3) Cannabinoids (e.g., marijuana, hashish)
4) Glucocorticosteroids

Interesting to note that marijuana is only against regulation if the athlete is in-competition. Phelps was on break from training. So to me, it looks like they broke their own policy, unless they have some other policy directly governing the use of it.

[Random Name]

I heard that he voluntarily accepted the suspension though. That's kind of classy. Even if it wasn't a rules-thing.

[xjsb125]

Classy, and extremely necessary for him to do, if he has concern over his image in the public eye. People out there will forgive him immediately, and understand the reasons why he did it. However, you'll have a majority of people waiting to drag him over hot coals for it, waiting for his humble apologies.

[Neil]

Exactly. Clearly from what you posted marijuana is only a violation while in competition. The first section also states that Phelps could be subject to testing while out of competition (such as now); however, he didn't fail a drug test.

It sounds to me like this suspension was not warranted. Phelps should not have accepted the suspension. But whatever.... That's just my opinion.

[myownsatellite]

I know a lot of pot-smokers so I don't really care what people do in their spare time. However, he was caught apparently doing something illegal. Sports teams have suspended players for drunk driving, dog fighting, stealing, and lots of other illegal things. Fact remains, what he did was illegal and it seems that they would have every right to suspend him.

Personally I don't really care either way since I don't follow the sport. But since doing something illegal can quite often get you fired from your job (whether you're doing it on your own time or on the company's), then being suspended from your job (and sports are a "job") seems like a lesser punishment and yes, it's warranted if the commission sees fit.

[Neil]

Sports teams have suspended players for drunk driving, dog fighting, stealing, and lots of other illegal things. Fact remains, what he did was illegal and it seems that they would have every right to suspend him.

In most (if not all) professional sports organizations, businesses, etc. it's a part of their policy. Zero tolerance. According to the info Matt posted the USSA doesn't have a zero tolerance policy. Phelps should have been randomly tested following this photo. If he failed. Suspended. That's how I read the policy. It's a shame. To me I feel like he got the shaft. And the cold end of it...

Its like with any of us. If you're employer found a picture of you smoking weed on your facebook. Technically if its not affecting your work they shouldn't be able to do anything about it. That's sorta how I view the Phelps picture.

And for cripes sakes the man was at a frat party! At least he wasn't passing out ruph's and trolling for 17 year olds. Last time I went to a frat party I saw enough paraphernalia to start my own shop!

[myownsatellite]

Its like with any of us. If you're employer found a picture of you smoking weed on your facebook. Technically if its not affecting your work they shouldn't be able to do anything about it. That's sorta how I view the Phelps picture.

But the thing is, they can. At least some employers can. That's why you're warned not to put pictures of yourself doing illegal things where your coworkers, managers, bosses and potential employers can see them.

[Neil]

Damn. Guess I should take down all the photos of myself doing lines off hookers.

Oh, and sticking to the topic. Again such as Phelps' situation if its not written within the policy. Nobody at your employer should be able to touch you. Curse those gray areas that people like to screw other people with...

[myownsatellite]

Illegal drugs are definitely a gray area - can they fire you? Can they not? Many times the company will just make up a reason to fire you, especially if they see something like that and then realize that it's not against their policies.

Good thing they don't do drug tests at my job, they'd probably have to fire half the staff.

[Neil]

ESPN's "Around the Horn" just talked about the Phelps situation. One of the journalists kept going back to the kids. Phelps being a role model. And how his apology should've included something directly toward young kids.

Please. I had had a young girl who didn't even look out of elementary school ask if I had a smoke. Kids these days are sharing what Phelps did by the time they're 11.

[Johnny]

Kids these days are sharing what Phelps did by the time they're 11.

Exactly. Younger and younger kids are being more and more exposed to drugs and what not on a daily bases than we were when young'uns. Whats even dumber is that alchohol is way worse and it can literally kill you in a matter of hours and yet its legal to buy and consume.

[MindsOnLoan]

I hate how that "role model" thing is always brought up. He's a fucking human being, let him live his life. He shouldn't have to follow a specific path just to please everyone. Kids aren't worse off because role models, they're bad off because bad parenting and/or a bad environment around them.

[Neil]

That's the problem.... Instead of sticking to the damn root of the issue with kids. Which is their parents. Instead modern society teaches us to put the spotlight on people in hollywood, professional sports, etc.

If Phelps wants to hit a damn bong. Hit that sucker like a champ. If Johnny wants to do beer bongs until he pukes out that worm he ate the other night. So freaking be it!

Maury teaches us every day that kids are getting younger and younger when they first have sex. Not that sex is illegal. But ya know.... the whole kids doing bad things issue.

[Neil]

Subway has removed Phelps from their website. Interesting...

But he's on his way of being dropped from that sponsorship....