Swimmer Phelps admits to regrettable behaviour

Posted: Sunday 1st February 2009 | 19:45

MICHAEL Phelps has admitted bad judgment after newspaper pictures surfaced showing him apparently smoking cannabis.

BAD JUDGMENT: Michael Phelps is pictured using a cannabis bong in the News of the World (Picture: News of the World)

The 14-time Olympic champion - who won eight golds in Beijing - admitted the pictures, taken during a student party last November, were genuine.

The 23-year old American, back in training for this summer's World Swimming Championships in Rome, apologised to fans for the incident, which he claimed was ‘regrettable'.

In a statement released to US news agency Associated Press, Phelps said: "I engaged in behaviour which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment," he said.

"I'm 23 years old and despite the successes I've had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me.

"For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again."

COMMENT: JAMES TONEY BLOG: Phelps must rebuild from negative headlines

Phelps position in pilot testing programme run by the US Anti-Doping Agency is now in doubt.

"It's disappointing and we'll evaluate whether he remains in that programme," said programme head Travis Tygart.

"But some good education comes from this because he's going to suffer some penalties."

And he has also earned condemnation from the US Olympic Committee.

in a statement they said: "Michael is a role model and he is well aware of the responsibilities and accountability that come with setting a positive example for others, particularly young people.

"In this instance, regrettably, he failed to fulfil those responsibilities."

BAD PRESS: After admitting smoking a cannabis bong, Phelps could lose endorsements, like his $1 million deal with Speedo (Getty Images)

In another statement, USA Swimming said that it was disappointed by Phelps's behaviour.

“Our Olympic champions are role models who are looked up to by people of all ages, especially young athletes who have their own aspirations and dreams,” it read.

“That said, we realise that none among us is perfect. We hope that Michael can learn from this incident and move forward in a positive way.”

However, team-mates have been quick to defend Phelps – who according to some experts may now lose a sizeable percentage of the £5 million he makes in sponsorship and endorsements.

Jason Lezak, who swam the anchor leg in the 400 metres freestyle relay that kept Phelps on track for his gold-medal record, said: “If my wife and I can help him in any way, we will. I believe he will grow from this and be a better person.”

Cannabis is not viewed as a performance-enhancing drug by the World Anti-Doping Agency and athlete are only subject to sanctions if a positive test occurs during competition periods.

In a high-profile case concerning cannabis, Canadian snowboarder Ross Rebagliati was temporarily deprived of his 1998 Olympic giant slalom gold medal after traces of marijuana were found in his body.

Rebagliati claimed he had inhaled the drug "passively" but his medal was only returned to him after it was pointed out that cannabis was not actually banned at the time.

VOTE: Has your opinion of 14-time Olympic champion Michael Phelps changed following this weekend's revelations about cannabis smoking?

JAMES TONEY