Public overreacted to Phelps' photo

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Fourteen-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps had a little publicity problem this week. A British magazine published a picture of Phelps inhaling from a marijuana smoking pipe, more commonly known as a bong. America’s newest golden boy had to scramble to maintain that squeaky-clean image and some people haven’t taken the news well. There have been suggestions that his sponsors drop his contract, authorities in South Carolina­— where the picture was taken —have considered criminal charges and a some have even suggested Phelps should lose his medals.

Everyone, take a deep breath.

It may seem like a big deal today, but in a month you’ll forget it even happened. Honestly, the public’s reaction has been more surprising than the picture itself.

There’s a commonly held belief among college-aged people in Michigan, but few ever mention it publicly. Those people would say Ann Arbor is generally a marijuana-friendly city. They have a higher tolerance, you could say. I certainly don’t think every person in Ann Arbor has smoked weed, nor would I say Ann Arbor is filled with pot-heads. But it would be hard to argue that marijuana isn’t, well, available. The city decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana in 1974, making it a civil infraction. While users still can receive state and federal charges if caught with marijuana on U-M’s campus, one would assume this is where the reputation originates. Ann Arbor’s culture seems to be more permissive toward marijuana.

So is it really surprising that Phelps, who attended U-M, would enjoy smoking pot from time to time? Phelps surely was one of the most widely-known people on campus; it would be naive to think he was never offered the opportunity.

Who knows? Maybe that picture was his very first time. I’d say if anyone has the right to, it’s him. NBC correspondent Bob Costas interviewed Phelps and his mother after Phelps broke almost every swimming record in existence last summer. During the interview, Costas and Phelps joked that the swimmer could finally relax, eat unhealthy food and not worry about training for a while. Isn’t that exactly what he’s doing? After this picture was taken, all Phelps probably did was get a cheeseburger and watch “The Lord of the Rings.” If he doesn’t bother anyone, I don’t see how it’s our place to criticize how he unwinds.

This issue, as issues with athletes tend to be, is really about kids. Some of the biggest criticisms of Phelps have come from parents whose children idolize Phelps. Phelps is undoubtably a major role model for children growing up today, so he is burdened with the expectations of being a role model. Parents want their kids to grow up believing the things Phelps stands for. He is incredibly likeable, hyper-athletic and has very close relationship with his parents. What’s not to love?

When these issues come up, kids and parents are reminded that idols are still people and people mess up occasionally. Most people aren’t upset because Phelps did something illegal, they’re upset because he doesn’t represent the same thing to them anymore. Phelps no longer seems so clean-cut and likeable and I think some parents worry the same may happen their kids.

This is not a bad thing for kids. His youngest fans probably wouldn’t fully understand the situation and will love him no matter what. Older kids, however, will probably not take it as well. But don’t see this as problem, see this as an opportunity.

Parents, there is no better time to tell your kids exactly what Phelps was doing and why he was doing it. Kids may not know everything, but they’re not stupid. If you sat them down and point out the difference between idolizing and being inspired by someone, they’ll understand. Explain to them that what Phelps did was wrong and they shouldn’t give up on him because of it. And, if they’re old enough, it’s the perfect time have a discussion about drugs.

The worst message you can send to your kids is to get angry when people make mistakes. Teach by example. Show them that it’s fine to give people second chances, and that the best thing they can do is learn from their heroes’ mistakes. Kids idolize their parents more than athletes. They’re more likely to pick up your bad habits than Phelps’.

The Baltimore Bullet’s image will return in a few months. Michael Jordan was a gambler and Brett Favre was addicted to painkillers, but their legacies aren’t defined by their vices. Great athletes are judged by their greatest accomplishments. One picture isn’t going to change that.

Ian Johnson is a State News staff writer. Reach him at john2806@msu.edu.

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