Thread: Michael Phelps Suspended - Loses Endorsement

OK, please don't spam this thread with talk about drugs that violate the COC. I just wanted to update the situation....

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Michael Phelps Suspended From Swim Competitions; Kellogg Nixes Sponsorship

Thursday, February 05, 2009
Associated Press

PORTLAND, Ore. — Michael Phelps has been suspended from competition for three months by USA Swimming, the latest fallout from a photo that showed the Olympic great inhaling from a marijuana pipe.

The sport's national governing body also cut off its financial support to Phelps for the same three-month period, effective Thursday.

"This is not a situation where any anti-doping rule was violated, but we decided to send a strong message to Michael because he disappointed so many people, particularly the hundreds of thousands of USA Swimming member kids who look up to him as a role model and a hero," the federation said in a statement.

"Michael has voluntarily accepted this reprimand and has committed to earn back our trust."

Also on Thursday, Kellogg Co. said it will drop Phelps' endorsement deal.

Most of his major sponsors, such as Visa Inc., Speedo, luxury Swiss watchmaker Omega and sports beverage PureSport's maker Human Performance Labs, stood by the athlete following the news, even if they didn't condone his behavior.

But Battle Creek, Mich.-based cereal and snack maker Kellogg said Phelps's behavior is "not consistent with the image of Kellogg."

Phelps's agent was not immediately available to comment.

Kellogg had contracts with Phelps and other Olympic athletes to support its association with the U.S. Olympic team. The company said in a statement that it will not renew its contract with Phelps, which expires at the end of February.

The company did not renew its deal with the US Olympic Team, which expired in December.

Kellogg would not disclose the value of its deal with Phelps.

But experts have said that after Phelps won eight gold medals, he scored millions in endorsement deals, including the one that placed him on boxes of Kellogg's Frosted Flakes and Corn Flakes boxes.

Dear Michael, you are still awesome.

Originally Posted by Cicero

Dear Michael, you are still awesome.

Maybe so, but a little lighter in the pockets now. I think he'll survive.

Sucks to be him.

You know, its funny what one photo will do to a guys reputation.

when is america gonna get past this - its ridiculous - he smoked a little weed - how does that take away from who he is and what he has done - he didnt take steroids to help him win - to me that is way way way worse - YOU CHEATED - smoking pot doesnt make you a cheater - in fact it doesnt change who u r in any way

Originally Posted by orangenblue420

when is america gonna get past this - its ridiculous - he smoked a little weed - how does that take away from who he is and what he has done - he didnt take steroids to help him win - to me that is way way way worse - YOU CHEATED - smoking pot doesnt make you a cheater - in fact it doesnt change who u r in any way

I don't have a problem with smoking a little weed. However, he's a media figure, he shoulda known better. Do it behind closed doors.

It IS still against the law. Period.

Originally Posted by turftoad

I don't have a problem with smoking a little weed. However, he's a media figure, he shoulda known better. Do it behind closed doors.

It IS still against the law. Period.

He was at a party and prolly trusted the people there - whoever took the pic needs to get their ass beat IMHO

Its not like he was walking down the street smoking a joint

Originally Posted by orangenblue420

He was at a party and prolly trusted the people there - whoever took the pic needs to get their ass beat IMHO

Its not like he was walking down the street smoking a joint

I guess he needs to be more careful on who he trusts.

Money does funny stuff to people and I'm sure the picture taker got few bucks for the pic.

Oh im sure the basturd did

Kinda lame to try to ruin someones life for a few bucks

Originally Posted by orangenblue420

Oh im sure the basturd did

Kinda lame to try to ruin someones life for a few bucks

Well, U29 had his "What would you do for Billion Dollars" thread. I'm guessing this guys price tag was a lot lower than that.

Originally Posted by turftoad

I don't have a problem with smoking a little weed. However, he's a media figure, he shoulda known better. Do it behind closed doors.

It IS still against the law. Period.

Yea.....he should have known better.

I would imagine that he has smoked more than "a little" weed. I doubt that was his first time or anything......and it makes me wonder why in the hell he would associate with pot heads and put himself in that kind of situation in the first place.........

3 months suspension, and losing a few endorsements?????........not a big deal imo...

This is not enough. I want my pound of flesh.

I say we lynch him.

Originally Posted by orangenblue420

Oh im sure the basturd did

Kinda lame to try to ruin someones life for a few bucks

He ruined his own life.