Photo of Michael Phelps smoking pot

[leekohler]

Good lord- leave the guy alone! As if no one else in the world smokes pot! He deserves to have some fun.

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/02/michael-phelps-admits-regrettable-behavior.html

http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/news/150832/14-times-Olympic-gold-medal-winner-Michael-Phelps-caught-with-bong-cannabis-pipe.html

TAMPA, Fla. -- Olympic great Michael Phelps has acknowledged "regrettable" behavior and "bad judgment" after a photo in a British newspaper showed him smoking marijuana.

News of the World, a British tabloid, posted a picture with an accompanying story today that the publication says shows the 14-time Olympic gold medalist taking a hit from a bong at a college party at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. The article's headline: WHAT A DOPE.

The article said that the photo was taken last November during a visit by Phelps to the campus to visit a girl he had been seeing. It also said that Phelps, described as "loud" and "obnoxious" by students, spent much of his time there partying.

[CalBoy]

Really? People still care if someone smokes pot?

I think people are largely hypocrites, or worse, afraid to be themselves. I think they feel it's taboo to say, "pot's no big deal," in public, so they pretend to be shameful while secretly don't give a hoot about what Michael Phelps does when he's at a party.

[zap2]

So thats how he won all those medals!!!

(Don't show the anti drug people this story, they might lose it, pot has it make you a tool to everyone, and have no drive to do stuff, remember?)

[Peace]

So thats how he won all those medals!!!

(Don't show the anti drug people this story, they might lose it, pot has it make you a tool to everyone, and have no drive to do stuff, remember?)

Well I'm proof of that. I couldn't swim back and forth in an olympic pool as fast as him. It must be the pot!!:D

[leekohler]

It's just so damn ridiculous. OOHHH, AAAHH! Michael Phelps smoked pot! How could this be??????!!!!!!! OMG! The sky is going to fall! :rolleyes:

[chilipie]

THIS is the astonishing picture which could destroy the career of the greatest competitor in Olympic history.

They don't have to sound so bloody cheerful about it :rolleyes:

[leekohler]

They don't have to sound so bloody cheerful about it :rolleyes:

It's just silly. He shouldn't even be apologizing.

[Queso]

It always amazes me how wound up people can get about someone smoking blow. Usually the same people will then happily down a few glasses of wine or whisky.

[leekohler]

It always amazes me how wound up people can get about someone smoking blow. Usually the same people will then happily down a few glasses of wine or whisky.

Smoking blow? "Blow" is cocaine, my friend. ;)

[Peace]

hehehe. Lost in translation.:p

[Queso]

Smoking blow? "Blow" is cocaine, my friend. ;)
It may well be on your side of the Atlantic :p

[yoppie]

It's easy to ask what the big deal is but they pretty much go after all the athletes now when they're caught with marijuana. Michael Phelps shouldn't be granted a pass just because he won some olympic medals. If all the other athletes can make the news on ESPN for their weed, then so can golden boy.

[Abstract]

I couldn't swim back and forth in an olympic pool as fast as him. It must be the pot!!:D

If only I smoked pot more often. :(

[zachplaysguitar]

All I see is a great argument against the dangers of smoking pot. This guy is arguably the best athlete in the world and even he indulges.

I don't know about everyone else but this makes me like him more.

[leekohler]

It's easy to ask what the big deal is but they pretty much go after all the athletes now when they're caught with marijuana. Michael Phelps shouldn't be granted a pass just because he won some olympic medals. If all the other athletes can make the news on ESPN for their weed, then so can golden boy.

The point is that they shouldn't doing this to anybody. It's pretty insignificant.

[yoppie]

The point is that they shouldn't doing this to anybody. It's pretty insignificant.

I agree with you. I don't care either way but he's famous now so there's a whole new set of rules for him, some good, some bad. This is one of the bad.

[Rt&Dzine]

This makes me believe he REALLY deserved his gold medals. Pot is kind of the opposite of steroids.

[yoppie]

This makes me believe he REALLY deserved his gold medals. Pot is kind of the opposite of steroids.

I didn't mention anything about steroids and I certainly didn't say he didn't deserve his medals. Read my post again. I said other athletes make the news for their weed, so golden boy shouldn't expect different. If you get caught, you get caught - it's illegal whether we want it to be or not.

[Peace]

I didn't mention anything about steroids and I certainly didn't say he didn't deserve his medals. Read my post again. I said other athletes make the news for their weed, so golden boy shouldn't expect different. If you get caught, you get caught - it's illegal whether we want it to be or not.

There are many states that have it decriminalized and legally used as a medicine.

Pot is not evil. The government is.

[yoppie]

There are many states that have it decriminalized and legally used as a medicine.

Pot is not evil. The government is.

I didn't say pot was evil. Now that that's been cleared up, was Phelps smoking pot in one of the decriminalized states and was it for medicinal purpose? I don't know. What I do know is he made the news just like all the other celebs who are busted with it. Cry me a river.

[Much Ado]

Pot is not evil. The government is.

The government aren't evil, they just go to pot sometimes.

[Rt&Dzine]

I didn't mention anything about steroids and I certainly didn't say he didn't deserve his medals. Read my post again. I said other athletes make the news for their weed, so golden boy shouldn't expect different. If you get caught, you get caught - it's illegal whether we want it to be or not.

Sorry. I meant to do a general Reply to Thread, but I clicked on the post above me which was yours.

[Thomas Veil]

Meh. I'd be more worried if Jim Phelps were smoking pot.

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/2046/phelpsqc0.jpg

[NC MacGuy]

The bong doesn't bother me as much as his reported being a general ahole.

[Peace]

Meh. I'd be more worried if Jim Phelps were smoking pot.

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/2046/phelpsqc0.jpg

Is this message going to self-destruct in 10 seconds ? :D

[BoyBach]

The point is that athletes are not allowed to use any drugs, be they performance enhancing or recreational.

I cannot believe that - potentially - one of the greatest athletes of all time is willing to risk his future career for a high.

[NT1440]

You know, I actually like him a little more now for some reason.

Can't wait for this "controversy" to hit the US news :rolleyes:

[NT1440]

The point is that athletes are not allowed to use any drugs, be they performance enhancing or recreational.

I cannot believe that - potentially - one of the greatest athletes of all time is willing to risk his future career for a high.

Risk in terms of what? Losing sponsorships because they dont want to be associated with a plant? Or risk in terms of bodily harm?

[TuffLuffJimmy]

The point is that athletes are not allowed to use any drugs, be they performance enhancing or recreational.

I cannot believe that - potentially - one of the greatest athletes of all time is willing to risk his future career for a high.

Why? Why can't athletes use recreational drugs?

[Peace]

You know, I actually like him a little more now for some reason.

Can't wait for this "controversy" to hit the US news :rolleyes:

Already has.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gav61lYnY-W3nlJteKSkTVKT6buAD962TVMG1

[NT1440]

Already has.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gav61lYnY-W3nlJteKSkTVKT6buAD962TVMG1

No, i meant those tabloid shows running it as some sort of massive scandal.:rolleyes:


I really hate the age of the celebrity.

[leekohler]

The point is that athletes are not allowed to use any drugs, be they performance enhancing or recreational.

I cannot believe that - potentially - one of the greatest athletes of all time is willing to risk his future career for a high.

Why does it matter? I don't see any reason why an athlete can't smoke pot once in a while. I've always thought drug tests were stupid, unless someone seems to be really screwing up consistently, and it's apparent there's a problem.

[yoppie]

Why? Why can't athletes use recreational drugs?

Because it's illegal and it's what the athletes agreed to when they became a professional. Right or wrong he has to be smarter about this.

If he wants to smoke weed and have it be legal, he should stand up and admit to it and take a stand and say he's going to keep on doing it at the risk of his multi-million dollar sponsorships. He isn't willing to do that, instead he's already had his people put out an apology promising not to behave in that manner again. Can't have it both ways.

He'll spin this into some just say no ad and continue on as before.

[bobfitz14]

Risk in terms of what? Losing sponsorships because they dont want to be associated with a plant? Or risk in terms of bodily harm?

in my opinion if anything is being risked or lost it's him being a role model. well i don't mean role model, i just can't really think of a better word for it at the moment.


...maybe his image as some one who rewrote history is being put at stake? though he most likely didn't smoke before/during the Olympics.

[yoppie]

Why does it matter? I don't see any reason why an athlete can't smoke pot once in a while. I've always thought drug tests were stupid, unless someone seems to be really screwing up consistently, and it's apparent there's a problem.

It matters because for the most part here in the USA, it's illegal and small children are looking at these athletes. Yeah, yeah, yeah, parents should be the role model. Seriously, it's going to always be a big deal until the government decides to make it legal. Simple as that.

[leekohler]

Because it's illegal and it's what the athletes agreed to when they became a professional. Right or wrong he has to be smarter about this.

If he wants to smoke weed and have it be legal, he should stand up and admit to it and take a stand and say he's going to keep on doing it at the risk of his multi-million dollar sponsorships. He isn't willing to do that, instead he's already had his people put out an apology promising not to behave in that manner again. Can't have it both ways.

He'll spin this into some just say no ad and continue on as before.

I think you're right- he should stand up and tell people to ******* off. But we also need to do the same thing. It's utterly ridiculous that we hold athletes to this stupid standard. I don't smoke pot or do any illegal drugs anymore, but I did when I was younger. He's at that age, that's all.

It matters because for the most part here in the USA, it's illegal and small children are looking at these athletes. Yeah, yeah, yeah, parents should be the role model. Seriously, it's going to always be a big deal until the government decides to make it legal. Simple as that.

Oh please. "Save the children!" doesn't get very far with me. Kids are and should be educated about drugs in school. They know what's what.

[NT1440]

in my opinion if anything is being risked or lost it's him being a role model. well i don't mean role model, i just can't really think of a better word for it at the moment.


...maybe his image as some one who rewrote history is being put at stake? though he most likely didn't smoke before/during the Olympics.
See its this thinking that bothers me. Just because people choose to look up to him he should act like an appropriate "role model".

His professional life has nothing to do with his private life, no matter how much the media decides it does.

[BoyBach]

Why? Why can't athletes use recreational drugs?

Why does it matter? I don't see any reason why an athlete can't smoke pot once in a while. I've always thought drug tests were stupid, unless someone seems to be really screwing up consistently, and it's apparent there's a problem.


It's quite simple, if your sporting organisation signs up to the WADA code, then you abide by the rules. The penalties for failing a drugs test can be anything from a short ban to a lifetime ban.

[Prof.]

The only reasonable thing to do is to strip him of his medals and kick him out of the 2012 Summer Olympics. Sorry, Phelps, you blew it.

That was pure sarcasm, btw.

[leekohler]

It's quite simple, if your sporting organisation signs up to the WADA code, then you abide by the rules. The penalties for failing a drugs test can be anything from a short ban to a lifetime ban.

AFAIK- no drug test was failed.

[NT1440]

It's quite simple, if your sporting organisation signs up to the WADA code, then you abide by the rules. The penalties for failing a drugs test can be anything from a short ban to a lifetime ban.

He obviously passed any and all drug tests during the olympics. Those penalties are the direct result of the "War on Drugs" invading into our society.

[yoppie]

I think you're right- he should stand up and tell people to ******* off. But we also need to do the same thing. It's utterly ridiculous that we hold athletes to this stupid standard. I don't smoke pot or do any illegal drugs anymore, but I did when I was younger. He's at that age, that's all.

Oh please. "Save the children!" doesn't get very far with me. Kids are and should be educated about drugs in school. They know what's what.

I agree. Athletes shouldn't be in charge of saving the children but some of their money is because of those children. They're not above advertising/marketing products to them for $$$ so they have to live with the consequences. You can't say I'm for the children, holding swimming camps and sliding across the floor in guitar hero commercials and then when you're in trouble say I'm an athlete not a role model. People expect more (fair or not).

[TuffLuffJimmy]

The only reasonable thing to do is to strip him of his medals and kick him out of the 2012 Summer Olympics. Sorry, Phelps, you blew it.

That was pure sarcasm, btw.

Are you serious?
Since when is getting high such an offensive? I will never understand people who think they can so harshly judge others especially for something so minor.

[Prof.]

Are you serious?
Since when is getting high such an offensive? I will never understand people who think they can so harshly judge others especially for something so minor.
Apparently you didn't read the white print.;)

[BoyBach]

AFAIK- no drug test was failed.


A drug test can happen at any time - in fact, athletes have to inform the drug testers where they are at all times, which is currently being challenged in the Belgian Courts (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/more/01/27/WADA-challenge.ap/).

The point is why risk your career?

[TuffLuffJimmy]

Apparently you didn't read the white print.;)

Well that's annoying... sarcasm on the internet doesn't work well, especially when the only way to find that it is sarcastic is hidden behind text you have to highlight to read. Why would I go about highlighting every post I read? Why would you expect anyone to do that?

[NT1440]

I agree. Athletes shouldn't be in charge of saving the children but some of their money is because of those children. They're not above advertising/marketing products to them for $$$ so they have to live with the consequences. You can't say I'm for the children, holding swimming camps and sliding across the floor in guitar hero commercials and then when you're in trouble say I'm an athlete not a role model. People expect more (fair or not).

How does getting a sponsorship equate to having to be a good model from kids?

And the whole "not above marketing", tell me that if you were a pro athlete with a ten year shelf life (and even thats pushing it sometimes) you wouldn't do anything to make sure you had the money for the rest of your life.

[NT1440]

A drug test can happen at any time - in fact, athletes have to inform the drug testers where they are at all times, which is currently being challenged in the Belgian Courts (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/more/01/27/WADA-challenge.ap/).

The point is why risk your career?

Why should you have to be a rat in a cage for the world to see?

[Iscariot]

Elite athletics themselves can be extremely unhealthy, and prolonged performance at the highest level can result in premature joint deterioration, osteoarthritis, oxidative damage, IBS from cortisol and stress, chronic tendonitis, URIs in endurance sports, and a whole host of other preventable diseases, injuries and conditions. Many of the banned substances would actually go a long way towards maintaining and promoting health in athletes whose sports are particularly punishing or demanding. Anti-doping laws exist because nobody likes a "cheater", and everybody likes the (absurd) idea of a level playing field, not for the health of the athletes.

[Prof.]

Well that's annoying... sarcasm on the internet doesn't work well, especially when the only way to find that it is sarcastic is hidden behind text you have to highlight to read. Why would I go about highlighting every post I read? Why would you expect anyone to do that?
How could you not see it when you quoted me?

Besides, i was just mocking other ppls comments i've read on other forums.

[TuffLuffJimmy]

How could you not see it when you quoted me?

Besides, i was just mocking other ppls comments i've read on other forums.

Why would I reread something that I assumed I'd already read?

[yoppie]

How does getting a sponsorship equate to having to be a good model from kids?

And the whole "not above marketing", tell me that if you were a pro athlete with a ten year shelf life (and even thats pushing it sometimes) you wouldn't do anything to make sure you had the money for the rest of your life.

As an athlete with an average shelf life of 10 years (and that's pushing it), you're right when you say I would do ANYTHING to make sure I had money for the rest of my life. ANYTHING includes not smoking an illegal substance that could jeopardize my career/endorsements. He didn't HAVE to smoke, he CHOSE to.

Athletes today should not be surprised by the reaction they get from the public/media when it comes to drugs (performance enhancing or recreational). They know going in that they're going to be held to a higher standard (fair or not). They signed their names on the dotted lines to follow the rules and unfortunately for those that like a little smoke, there's a clause that says it's not allowed. What's so hard about following the rules you agreed to? Money or drugs? I know which one I would choose.

[Prof.]

Why would I reread something that I assumed I'd already read?
Alright fine, jimmy. I'm sorry I confused you. Here's a cookie.

No white text here! :D

[TuffLuffJimmy]

Well since alcohol can have much worse health effects and marijuana and alcohol to basically the same thing (alcohol to a greater degree) why wouldn't we get mad at him for drinking?

[zachplaysguitar]

Well since alcohol can have much worse health effects and marijuana and alcohol to basically the same thing (alcohol to a greater degree) why wouldn't we get mad at him for drinking?

It's exactly this dichotomy that makes it so ridiculous. Why is one so much more incriminating than the other? Either they're both bad or both accepted.

[NT1440]

As an athlete with an average shelf life of 10 years (and that's pushing it), you're right when you say I would do ANYTHING to make sure I had money for the rest of my life. ANYTHING includes not smoking an illegal substance that could jeopardize my career/endorsements. He didn't HAVE to smoke, he CHOSE to.

And you have a problem with HIS personal decision because????

[BoyBach]

Well since alcohol can have much worse health effects and marijuana and alcohol to basically the same thing (alcohol to a greater degree) why wouldn't we get mad at him for drinking?


Because alcohol isn't a banned substance under the WADA Code.

[yoppie]

And you have a problem with HIS personal decision because????

I don't have a problem with his personal decision. It has no bearing on me. I just don't feel bad about him being reported in the news. He signed up for the fishbowl lifestyle when he started appearing for public appearances and endorsements. He has to live with that decision and unfortunately that means having people speak about your youthful mistakes as well as your 14 gold medals.

He should have smoked his joint in a more private place. I'm sure he'll be sure to do that tonight and any other night.

[yoppie]

It's exactly this dichotomy that makes it so ridiculous. Why is one so much more incriminating than the other? Either they're both bad or both accepted.

They're both bad but unfortunately at this time, only one is legal. It's not the marijuana. :o

[takao]

if he did it ... then it is also his own fault

Cannabis products/THC is still on the official WADA list of prohibited substances and thus it could very likely mean a 2 year ban

but since him being an US athlete nothing will happen of course ...

[Prof.]

My friend is a competitive swimmer and she was lucky enuf to meet Michael Phelps. She said he's one of the biggest *******s she has ever met. He ain't as perfect as you might think.

Just throwin' that out there.

[zachplaysguitar]

My friend is a competitive swimmer and she was lucky enuf to meet Michael Phelps. She said he's one of the biggest *******s she has ever met. He ain't as perfect as you might think.

Just throwin' that out there.

I'd imagine winning that many medals and getting that much attention can really go to your head...

[Jaffa Cake]

cannabis products/THC is still on the official WADA list of prohibited substances and thus it could very likely mean a 2 year ban

but since him being an US athlete nothing will happen of course ...For any such ban I'm certain he'd have to actually provide a positive sample to an official test – I wouldn't have thought he's likely to receive punishment as a result of this story making the media, although he may well end up having a 'little chat' with regards to being careful about his future conduct.

Regardless of the debate on whether or not there's any harm in smoking cannabis – and in all honesty I don't consider it any more harmful than a lot of legal stuff – it's still a prohibited substance in his sport and until that changes you would really think he'd know better than to indulge, certainly in the company of a group of people he hardly knows.

[joepunk]

The guy wins 8 gold medals and doesn't deserve a bong hit? So much for pot sapping your ambition.

Is that really Phelps? I mean, the more I look at that photo the more I think that's not Phelps.

[bobfitz14]

See its this thinking that bothers me. Just because people choose to look up to him he should act like an appropriate "role model".

His professional life has nothing to do with his private life, no matter how much the media decides it does.

i understand and i agree with you. non-celebrities, aka us normal people :p, don't have as drastic of a difference between our public vs. private lives as celebrities do. it's somewhat inevitable for them.

[iJohnHenry]

But that is so wrong.

No one asked this of them, so I see no Earthly reason why they should be pressed into service.

Leave them alone, to live their lives as they see fit.

[takao]

Regardless of the debate on whether or not there's any harm in smoking cannabis – and in all honesty I don't consider it any more harmful than a lot of legal stuff – it's still a prohibited substance in his sport and until that changes you would really think he'd know better than to indulge, certainly in the company of a group of people he hardly knows.

and the "it's still prohibited in his sport" is the important part

after all he could be also using an ordinary nose-spray because he has a runny nose .. also perfectly "legal" but still not allowed without authorization from WADA

and him being tested: the world championship is in June (in Rome) which is about 4-5 months away: keep in mind that getting tested months in advance of such events during training is commonplace .. how long is THC still traceable ?

[Dont Hurt Me]

Big deal, the worlds politicians pretend weed is so bad. The evidence just isnt there nor is the science. The political correctness is amazing. Phelps biggest loss will be $$$ because political correctness will have the big advertisers pulling away from him. If he wants to burn one let him, alcohol is much worse.

[joepunk]

One reason why I don't watch sports because of the abundance of beer/hard liquor advertising. I find it very hypocritical of the sports industry.

[P-Worm]

Well since alcohol can have much worse health effects and marijuana and alcohol to basically the same thing (alcohol to a greater degree) why wouldn't we get mad at him for drinking?

I think alcohol should be banned.

P-Worm

[leekohler]

I think alcohol should be banned.

P-Worm

We tried that before. Didn't work out so well. Bans don't work. They just cause more problems.

[P-Worm]

We tried that before. Didn't work out so well. Bans don't work. They just cause more problems.

You can say bans don't work for a lot of things - like murder. Just because you ban murder, doesn't mean people won't.

P-Worm

[TuffLuffJimmy]

You can say bans don't work for a lot of things - like murder. Just because you ban murder, doesn't mean people won't.

P-Worm

Except alcohol became a bigger issue when it was banned... If murder weren't banned there would be a lot more dead bosses.

Also: why should we ban alcohol just because your church doesn't like it?

[NT1440]

You can say bans don't work for a lot of things - like murder. Just because you ban murder, doesn't mean people won't.

P-Worm

Why exactly do you support taking away personal freedoms? Its a choice to do a substance or not, i think the government should stay the hell out of it as long as the person is a legal adult.

[P-Worm]

Except alcohol became a bigger issue when it was banned... If murder weren't banned there would be a lot more dead bosses.

There's always going to be an immediate backlash when there's a radical change. It would obviously take time to implement. I just feel that alcohol has been the cause of way too many problems in society (abuse, drunk driving, etc.) and it would be better if it was gone.

Sorry, I didn't mean to hijack the thread. I personally don't care what Phelps chose to do, but it's sad that the bad publicity got to him.

P-Worm

[NT1440]

There's always going to be an immediate backlash when there's a radical change. It would obviously take time to implement. I just feel that alcohol has been the cause of way too many problems in society (abuse, drunk driving, etc.) and it would be better if it was gone.

Sorry, I didn't mean to hijack the thread. I personally don't care what Phelps chose to do, but it's sad that the bad publicity got to him.

P-Worm
I could say almost the same thing of religion....

You shouldnt be able to ban choices just because people dont like them.

[leekohler]

There's always going to be an immediate backlash when there's a radical change. It would obviously take time to implement. I just feel that alcohol has been the cause of way too many problems in society (abuse, drunk driving, etc.) and it would be better if it was gone.

Sorry, I didn't mean to hijack the thread. I personally don't care what Phelps chose to do, but it's sad that the bad publicity got to him.

P-Worm

This country survived Prohibition and learned from it once. If you folks in Utah want to, please feel free. Watch what happens.

[TuffLuffJimmy]

There's always going to be an immediate backlash when there's a radical change. It would obviously take time to implement. I just feel that alcohol has been the cause of way too many problems in society (abuse, drunk driving, etc.) and it would be better if it was gone.

Sorry, I didn't mean to hijack the thread. I personally don't care what Phelps chose to do, but it's sad that the bad publicity got to him.

P-Worm

Are you going to claim that religion hasn't been the cause of mass genocides? There are millions more lives that have been ended and destroyed because of religion. Not to mention the mormon "church" atrocities...

[P-Worm]

I could say almost the same thing of religion....

You shouldnt be able to ban choices just because people dont like them.

Banning a religion and banning a substance that has caused much misery and death are different.

And please don't play the "Religion has caused misery and death" card. Religious people that break the law do so knowingly, while those under the influence of drugs, alcohol, etc. often don't.

P-Worm

[P-Worm]

Are you going to claim that religion hasn't been the cause of mass genocides? There are millions more lives that have been ended and destroyed because of religion. Not to mention the mormon "church" atrocities...

Haha, I knew this was going to come out. Again, death due to substance abuse and killing in the name of religion are fundamentally different.

P-Worm

P.S. My want for a ban on alcohol has nothing to do with my church affiliation. I would ask for no ban on tea and coffee, for example.

[NT1440]

Banning a religion and banning a substance that has caused much misery and death are different.

And please don't play the "Religion has caused misery and death" card. Religious people that break the law do so knowingly, while those under the influence of drugs, alcohol, etc. often don't.

P-Worm

Im saying that you can make a bad case for anything and overlook the majority that have no problems what so ever.

I think its ludicrous that the government has the power to keep people from making their own decisions what to do with their bodies.

And to the underlined all I can say is: War

[leekohler]

Banning a religion and banning a substance that has caused much misery and death are different.

And please don't play the "Religion has caused misery and death" card. Religious people that break the law do so knowingly, while those under the influence of drugs, alcohol, etc. often don't.

P-Worm

Oh yes they do. If people choose to drink, they are responsible for their actions if they break a law. And religious people often try to rewrite the law to harm others with whom they disagree. You want examples, I've got a list as long as my arm. Religion can also be extremely harmful to society. Don't even try to deny that.

BTW- wanna live someplace that bans booze and all kinds of other things? Try Iran and Saudi Arabia. This is the United States. And anytime people are free, they sometimes don't always do what you might like them to.

[P-Worm]

I think its ludicrous that the government has the power to keep people from making their own decisions what to do with their bodies.

I can definitely see where you are coming from, but some lines should be drawn somewhere, right? Should we allow children access to crack cocaine because it is their decision? Or how about heroin to adults?

P-Worm

[P-Worm]

Oh yes they do. If people choose to drink, they are responsible for their actions if they break a law. And religious people often try to rewrite the law to harm others with whom they disagree. You want examples, I've got a list as long as my arm. Religion can also be extremely harmful to society. Don't even try to deny that.

I don't want to get into a conversation about the evils of religion. That topic has been beat to death on these forums. What I'm saying is that there are substances that can cause people to do things they normally wouldn't do. PCP is a good example. Many people high on PCP will break the law, but not be in their right mind while doing so.

P-Worm

[NT1440]

I can definitely see where you are coming from, but some lines should be drawn somewhere, right? Should we allow children access to crack cocaine because it is their decision? Or how about heroin to adults?

P-Worm
So you just skipped the part about having to be an adult?

[P-Worm]

So you just skipped the part about having to be an adult?

Come now. You really didn't understand the point I was trying to make? I even put in "Or heroine to adults" to help you out.

P-Worm

[leekohler]

I can definitely see where you are coming from, but some lines should be drawn somewhere, right? Should we allow children access to crack cocaine because it is their decision? Or how about heroin to adults?

P-Worm

Drugs should be legal, taxed and controlled.

Stop it with the "children" reference. It's not valid. We don't let children buy liquor. It would be the same with drugs. The money we put into building prisons can go to rehab and education programs.

[leekohler]

I don't want to get into a conversation about the evils of religion. That topic has been beat to death on these forums. What I'm saying is that there are substances that can cause people to do things they normally wouldn't do. PCP is a good example. Many people high on PCP will break the law, but not be in their right mind while doing so.

P-Worm

They chose to do the drug, They are therefore responsible for their actions while on the drug. And if you're going to talk about the evils of drugs, it's just as fair to talk about the evils of other things too. You don't get to avoid the topic of what religion has done, just because you feel like it. There are fair comparisons there.

Just look at Jim Jones and Guyana. Those people were high on religion, not drugs.

[NT1440]

Come now. You really didn't understand the point I was trying to make? I even put in "Or heroine to adults" to help you out.

P-Worm

Oh so because you make a point I'm supposed to agree?:rolleyes:

I already said, after age of consent, I don't think the government should be able to keep you from choosing what goes into your body. If they want to screw up their lives thats THEIR decision. We don't need a nanny state.

[P-Worm]

Drugs should be legal, taxed and controlled.

Stop it with the "children" reference. It's not valid. We don't let children buy liquor. It would be the same with drugs. The money we put into building prisons can go to rehab and education programs.

Fine. I'll retract my "children" reference. I believe that there are substances out there that shouldn't be allowed for recreational use even for adults. You feel differently. I don't know what else can be said on the subject.

P-Worm

[NT1440]

Fine. I'll retract my "children" reference. I believe that there are substances out there that shouldn't be allowed for recreational use even for adults. You feel differently. I don't know what else can be said on the subject.

P-Worm
We can ask why you think people shouldnt be allowed to choose.

[leekohler]

Fine. I'll retract my "children" reference. I believe that there are substances out there that shouldn't be allowed for recreational use even for adults.

That is a war you will never win.

[TuffLuffJimmy]

Come now. You really didn't understand the point I was trying to make? I even put in "Or heroine to adults" to help you out.

P-Worm

heroin, in moderation, can be a great pain killer and give you a kick ass high. Same goes for coke.

It's your own responsibility to get help if you're addicted (or a friend's) same does for addiction to alcohol, food, television, masturbation, penny collecting, MacRumors.

[P-Worm]

We can ask why you think people shouldnt be allowed to choose.

I explained that already. There are drugs (such as PCP) that can cause people to break the law. If we let PCP wild on the streets as long as it's only taken by adults, I would put good money down that crime would increase. I think it's better to make a restriction on PCP (or heroin, or crack) than it is to clean up the mess the drug can cause on society.

Alcohol and weed isn't in the same ballpark as PCP. I'm not trying to say that. But the reason I want alcohol and marijuana banned is the same. Both have caused tragedies in peoples' lives because of the carelessness that comes with the drug. Maybe not to a great extent, but it makes me wish the tragedies could have been avoided anyway.

Because I don't think I can explain myself any better, I'm out of this thread.

P-Worm

[TuffLuffJimmy]

Alcohol and weed isn't in the same ballpark as PCP. I'm not trying to say that. But the reason I want alcohol and marijuana banned is the same. Both have caused tragedies in peoples' lives because of the carelessness that comes with the drug. Maybe not to a great extent, but it makes me wish the tragedies could have been avoided anyway.

P-Worm

many other tragedies could be avoided if we banned mormonism.

[leekohler]

I explained that already. There are drugs (such as PCP) that can cause people to break the law. If we let PCP wild on the streets as long as it's only taken by adults, I would put good money down that crime would increase. I think it's better to make a restriction on PCP (or heroin, or crack) than it is to clean up the mess the drug can cause on society.

Alcohol and weed isn't in the same ballpark as PCP. I'm not trying to say that. But the reason I want alcohol and marijuana banned is the same. Both have caused tragedies in peoples' lives because of the carelessness that comes with the drug. Maybe not to a great extent, but it makes me wish the tragedies could have been avoided anyway.

Because I don't think I can explain myself any better, I'm out of this thread.

P-Worm

The vast majority of people who drink do not break the law, P-Worm. People who choose to drink are still responsible for their actions. I still stand by the religion thing too. I gave you one example, would you like more examples of how religion has ruined lives? Should we ban it because it COULD be harmful, even though the vast majority of people don't abuse it?

[jonbravo77]

Well I do think that hard narcotics like cocaine and PCP and heroin should be illegal. There is no medicinal purposes to these drugs and they do cause an extreme altered state. Having said that, I am in complete agreement with everyone who believes that it is the choice and the responsibility of anyone who uses any type of mind altering substance including alcohol and weed.

I think it is stupid that people who smoke weed are put into the same category as someone who uses heroin or cocaine or worse. Weed is (in my opinion) a relatively harmless drug that causes Dorritos stock to rise. I have never taken any drug other than alcohol, that is by choice, never saw the purpose in looking and acting even more stupid then I do sober :D.

And to the Michael Phelps story. Give me a break, weed, seriously... We are going to condemn a 23 year old guy for smoking a freakin' bong. There is much worse that he could have done...

[yg17]

Haha, I knew this was going to come out. Again, death due to substance abuse and killing in the name of religion are fundamentally different.

P-Worm

P.S. My want for a ban on alcohol has nothing to do with my church affiliation. I would ask for no ban on tea and coffee, for example.

No, it's not different. Murder is murder. If I murder someone because I drank too much, or if I murder someone because an invisible man in the sky told me to, it's still murder, and I've committed a crime.

[EricNau]

It's just silly. He shouldn't even be apologizing.
I respectfully disagree.

When you're a famous athlete (a position he certainly embraced) you hold a duty to your fans, whom indirectly but ultimately provide your source of income. In Phelp's case specifically, many of those fans happen to be kids. As such, his behavior was irresponsible, and apologizing was the right course of action.

[DiamondMac]

What's the big deal?

I have never even done pot but even so, so what?

He is a 23-year-old who did a bong hit

Why is this such a big issue?

[DiamondMac]

When you're a famous athlete (a position he certainly embraced) you hold a duty to your fans, whom indirectly but ultimately provide your source of income.

His source of income came from his work in the pool

Not indirectly his fans

[TuffLuffJimmy]

His source of income came from his work in the pool

Not indirectly his fans

A lot of his fans are big pot heads too! You can't make everyone happy. This little tid bit made me like him more. He's chill and he parties!

[EricNau]

His source of income came from his work in the pool

Not indirectly his fans
You don't think popularity is a factor in determining corporate sponsorship of an athlete?

Face it, popularity determines your worth; it's great if your talented, but without a fan base you're not worth much.


With the limelight comes responsibility.

[DiamondMac]

You don't think popularity is a factor in determining corporate sponsorship of an athlete?

Face it, popularity determines your worth; it's great if your talented, but without a fan base you're not worth much.

With the limelight comes responsibility.

A little but even as a douchebag out-of-the-pool, his accomplishments in the pool were going to get him fans and money.

He isn't known as some charity-freak. He is a 23-year-old who already has gotten a DUI several years back. People know he isn't a saint.

[99MustangGTman]

Right on smoke it up! I love tokin it back all the time with friends.:)

[Badandy]

His source of income came from his work in the pool

Not indirectly his fans

And where did Anna Kournikova's income come from? Popularity rules. His excellence in the pool happens to overcome the blandness of his personality (at least upon initial appearance).

[DiamondMac]

And where did Anna Kournikova's income come from?

Are you saying Phelps is as beautiful as Anna?:eek:

[BigHungry04]

He should lose his medals and be shunned for all eternity! Oh wait a tick, smoking pot is not against the policies of the IOC. So nothing will happen to him. Good.

[Dagless]

I didn't mention anything about steroids and I certainly didn't say he didn't deserve his medals. Read my post again. I said other athletes make the news for their weed, so golden boy shouldn't expect different. If you get caught, you get caught - it's illegal whether we want it to be or not.

Bingo. And no, Phelps doesn't have a disease that requires cannabis as a medicine :rolleyes:

[mactastic]

*Yawn*

Is marijuana a performance enhancer that would give Phelps a competitive advantage in the pool?

Nothing to see here then...

[iShater]

I was very disappointed to hear the news. As a role model with an image to keep on cereal boxes, he should have been smart enough to not do it, or do it in the privacy of his home.

[MacNut]

I was very disappointed to hear the news. As a role model with an image to keep on cereal boxes, he should have been smart enough to not do it, or do it in the privacy of his home.He was in private, someone just had a camera. I don't think he was outside doing it was he? Maybe we do need cameras to make a click sound like the government wants.

[Dont Hurt Me]

I wonder if he can say lets hit the Bong in Chinese:D Big Deal he burns, He's cooler then he appeared. Im sure its a nice relaxation after all that swimming. Legalize weed is the only answer. Laws on weed are nothing more then lies and politics and $$$ for the system at taxpayer expense.

[richard.mac]

Really? People still care if someone smokes pot?

I think people are largely hypocrites, or worse, afraid to be themselves. I think they feel it's taboo to say, "pot's no big deal," in public, so they pretend to be shameful while secretly don't give a hoot about what Michael Phelps does when he's at a party.

It's just so damn ridiculous. OOHHH, AAAHH! Michael Phelps smoked pot! How could this be??????!!!!!!! OMG! The sky is going to fall! :rolleyes:

i have the same mentality as you guys like who cares hes just kicking back at a party. but he is a world class athlete and his sponsors have contracts that inhibit him from taking any illegal drugs. he will probably lose most if not all of his million dollar sponsors now and that will make it a lot harder for him to stay at his peak.

[MacNut]

Laws on weed are nothing more then lies and politics and $$$ for the system at taxpayer expense.Isn't that what the majority of the laws on the books are.

[iObama]

Very disappointed. Very disappointed...

[TuffLuffJimmy]

Very disappointed. Very disappointed...

How so? What's so bad about smoking pot?

[MacNut]

How so? What's so bad about smoking pot?Haven't you heard it is a gateway drug, it leads to munchies and getting fat.

[TuffLuffJimmy]

Haven't you heard it is a gateway drug, it leads to munchies and getting fat.

Yeah! All evidence points to that as Phelps' fate.

[gibbz]

How so? What's so bad about smoking pot?

Yeah I second that. I have never tried pot and probably won't, but this mindless double standard from the government is quite stupid.

They have no problems with people selling cigarettes and alcohol to the public, yet marijuana is reprehensible? Please! It is nothing more than a form of governmental control over the populace.

Alcohol overdoses led to 331 deaths in 2001 (http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5337a2.htm), 0 overdose occurred from marijuana. There were 20,687 “alcohol-induced deaths” in 2003 (http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/alcohol.htm). The CDC had no record of marijuana induced deaths in the same year.

The fact is, the ratio of the amount of cannabis needed to become intoxicated to the amount needed to kill someone is roughly 1:40,000 (http://www.drugtext.org/sub/marmyt1.html). Conversely, alcohol is 1:4 to 1:10. Scientists have concluded accordingly that people cannot die directly from marijuana use, while it happens every year for alcohol.

If someone is opposed to marijuana as equally to alcohol or tobacco, then fine. However, I find the hypocritical arguments to be rather annoying.

[iObama]

If someone is opposed to marijuana as equally to alcohol or tobacco, then fine. However, I find the hypocritical arguments to be rather annoying.

Who's to say I'm not? Cause I am... :o

[richard.mac]

Haven't you heard it is a gateway drug, it leads to munchies and getting fat.

ahhhh so that how he eats all of this (http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=QXRvXtcSu14).

[gibbz]

Who's to say I'm not? Cause I am... :o

Yeah I have no problem with that at all. As I stated, I have never tried marijuana (or even cigarettes), and probably wouldn't even if legalized.

I just meant to say that hypocritical arguments like those coming from our government are annoying. They tell citizens that they cannot indulge in marijuana because it is a harmful drug and morally reprehensible. Yet, they have no problem with the solicitation and tax exploitation of drugs like alcohol and tobacco -- which have been shown to be as equally (or more so) harmful than marijuana.

[zap2]

Who's to say I'm not? Cause I am... :o

Well here's a radical idea, let people do what they want with their own body....and since this wont harm you, why care?

[Phat_Pat]

hell.... if i had a 12,000 calorie diet a day (http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24179205-661,00.html) than i'd be taking b-loads all day as well.

i mean with his lung capacity he must be able to rip a 6-footer no problem!

i say get this man in a pot smoking contest.

[zioxide]

A lot of his fans are big pot heads too! You can't make everyone happy. This little tid bit made me like him more. He's chill and he parties!

I'd love to smoke a bowl with Michael Phelps.

[NT1440]

hell.... if i had a 12,000 calorie diet a day (http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24179205-661,00.html) than i'd be taking b-loads all day as well.

i mean with his lung capacity he must be able to rip a 6-footer no problem!

i say get this man in a pot smoking contest.

He actually came out and said that was just media overhyping it. He really only consumed about 8-9,000 (still staggering) per day.

And hell yea, he must take some diesel rips!:eek:

I wonder if he breaks up with the medals.....

[AP_piano295]

heroin, in moderation, can be a great pain killer and give you a kick ass high. Same goes for coke.

It's your own responsibility to get help if you're addicted (or a friend's) same does for addiction to alcohol, food, television, masturbation, penny collecting, MacRumors.

Heroins pretty hard to moderate...

I have to agree that some drugs should be illegal (weed is most certainly not one of these). People are free to make their own choices and if they choose to they can break the law and get whatever drug they want.

The government does have some responsibility (IMO) to protect people from their own stupidity. This might be hard for a number of the people on these boards to fathom. I'm not trying to suck up I'm just saying that most of you are intelligent well rounded people, (PROBABLY) from reasonably good homes. Most of you probably don't have many mental problems or genetic inclinations towards addictions etc.

Certain drugs are worse for you (or more addictive) than others and these should remain illegal for the same reason you don't leave cups of bleach sitting around a baby. Drugs like heroin and cocaine are massively addictive and the fact that they are illegal does limit the amounts of the substances that are available.

Drugs like alcohol, weed, shrooms, cigarettes all fall with a level of reasonable safety. They are not (in most cases) massively addictive, they are unlikely to do be fatal even if used pretty irresponsibly etc. My problem with drug laws is the lack of consistency, which just comes off as hypocritical.

IMO many even most people never get much more intelligent then a five year old in many respects and the government is the big parent that sometimes DOES need to step in and protect us.

[Dont Hurt Me]

The richland sheriff is saying he might press charges. Any Lawyer worth their own paper work could prove that the sheriff has nothing. I guess this sheriff is trying to get in front of the cameras.
The marijuana laws are based on lies and politics. Here we go again , im sure this sheriff is going to save us from these horrible deeds. To bad he doesnt put this effort in solving "real"Crime. That part of South carolina is a mess but I guess this might be one case they can solve.:rolleyes: Once again Im embarrassed I live in S.C.

[rdowns]

Once again Im embarrassed I live in S.C.

One would think this is a daily occurrence. :D

Saw that his sponsors are sticking with him. For now.

[Dont Hurt Me]

It really is, heck this state doesnt even have 1 Apple store so what does that say about S.Carolina.

[iJohnHenry]

It really is, heck this state doesnt even have 1 Apple store so what does that say about S.Carolina.

Backwards??

Oh, sorry, thought you wanted a response. :o

Aside from the self-aggrandisement for the esteemed sherrif, a soft target is so much easier to deal with. :rolleyes:

[Dont Hurt Me]

Well I can say this, I think phelps is a lot cooler then i did before, win 8 gold medals, speak chineses and burn one.:D
If anyone is interested in a few laughs the state a columbia S.C. newspaper has a blog going on this and the sheriff who cant break away from the donut shop to go after murderers, rapist and every kind of crime in Columbia is getting hammered over this one.
What a Hero, I bet he even voted for Bush a 3rd time.

[iJohnHenry]

Are sheriffs elected in SC??

That could be their problem.

[joepunk]

... If anyone is interested in a few laughs the state a columbia S.C. newspaper has a blog going on this and the sheriff who cant break away from the donut shop to go after murderers, rapist and every kind of crime in Columbia is getting hammered over this one.

You mean this guy SC sheriff is investigating Phelps' pot pipe photo (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gav61lYnY-W3nlJteKSkTVKT6buAD9648B900)

South Carolina authorities in the county where Michael Phelps was spotted smoking from a marijuana pipe say they are considering a criminal charge against the Olympic superstar.
Lt. Chris Cowan said Tuesday that Richland County sheriff's investigators are gathering more information about the photo, which showed the swimmer inhaling from a marijuana pipe.

THIS (http://www.theagitator.com/2009/02/01/a-letter-id-like-to-see-but-wont/) is what I believe Michael Phelps should have said

Dear America,
I take it back. I don’t apologize.

Because you know what? It’s none of your goddamned business. I work my ass off 10 months per year. It’s that hard work that gave you all those gooey feelings of patriotism last summer. If during my brief window of down time I want to relax, enjoy myself, and partake of a substance that’s a hell of a lot less bad for me than alcohol, tobacco, or, frankly, most of the prescription drugs most of you are taking, well, you can spare me the lecture.

[iObama]

Well here's a radical idea, let people do what they want with their own body....and since this wont harm you, why care?

It does harm me. I don't like breathing in second hand smoke, I don't like dealing with drunk people and I've lost many friends (mentally, not physically) due to use of marijuana. Took all of their motivation away and they closed out all of their friends to hang out with stoners.

Some of my BEST friends who I would've done anything for. So don't you sit there and tell me it doesn't affect me.

[TuffLuffJimmy]

It does harm me. I don't like breathing in second hand smoke, I don't like dealing with drunk people and I've lost many friends (mentally, not physically) due to use of marijuana. Took all of their motivation away and they closed out all of their friends to hang out with stoners.

Some of my BEST friends who I would've done anything for. So don't you sit there and tell me it doesn't affect me.

Your friends left you because pot was obviously more fun than you. You want a ban on alcohol, too?

And no, in no way does Phelps' hit from a bong hurt you.

[DakotaGuy]

Your friends left you because pot was obviously more fun than you. You want a ban on alcohol, too?

And no, in no way does Phelps' hit from a bong hurt you.

It is Phelps' body and he can put anything he wants into it. That is a true Libertarian theory there and I can't say I completely disagree with it. As long as your actions are not hurting anyone else then it's not a big deal.

With that said, if Phelps was "Joe Six-Pack" no one would care and that is where the difference is. Phelps needs to learn that when you are in a position such as his people are going to take notice of what you do and use anything negative against you. I am a 5th grade teacher. How long do you think I would have a job if there were pictures of me smoking marijuana on the Internet? I would not even last a day before the Administration told me to either resign or I would be fired. He is held to a different standard then the average person. I am not saying that is right or wrong, that is just how it is.

My students were very disappointed in this news. Phelps went from being someone who was admired to a loser in their eyes. Phelps could probably care less what some 11 year olds think of him, but when you are a role model and fail people take notice. It takes years to build a good reputation and seconds to destroy it.

I have never smoked pot and don't have the urge to do it. I don't care what other people put into their bodies, however all substance abuse is bad. A beer here and there is fine if you are over 21, but obsessive binge drinking is not. A cigarette now and then probably isn't going to hurt you, but sucking down 2 packs a day will. As far as Marijuana goes it is an illegal substance and should not be used. If it was legal then that changes everything. In fact I would not have a problem if it was legalized for adults and the profits were taxed, however just like alcohol or tobacco it would be more accessible and along with that comes more dependancy issues.

When I went to college there were several kids that I knew that smoked pot. I never tried it because I just didn't like the idea. Some of them were never effected by it, but others got into it so deep they began to loose interest in school and dropped out. The same can be said about alcohol. I guess what it all comes down to is what you think an acceptable standard is for your career and life. Like I said an average person can probably smoke all the pot they want and it won't matter, but when you are Phelps you have to uphold a different standard. That is just how the ball rolls whether we like it or not.

[Cleverboy]

It is Phelps' body and he can put anything he wants into it. That is a true Libertarian theory there and I can't say I completely disagree with it. As long as your actions are not hurting anyone else then it's not a big deal.

With that said, if Phelps was "Joe Six-Pack" no one would care and that is where the difference is. Phelps needs to learn that when you are in a position such as his people are going to take notice of what you do and use anything negative against you. I am a 5th grade teacher. How long do you think I would have a job if there were pictures of me smoking marijuana on the Internet? I would not even last a day before the Administration told me to either resign or I would be fired. Well put.

~ CB

[Hawkeye411]

I doubt you would be fired if you had a similar picture taken of you. OH .... unless your from the USA .... then you better start looking for a new job:eek:

[CalBoy]

It does harm me. I don't like breathing in second hand smoke,

So we could just as easily apply the same laws we do for smoking cigarettes onto weed. You live in California, and in the Bay Area. You have no legitimate claim to being bothered by second-hand smoke in this state, since it's been banned in most places since the time you were a toddler.

I don't like dealing with drunk people

Weed ≠ alcohol. The effects are not the same at all. Being drunk is much worse, especially for those around the drunk person.

and I've lost many friends (mentally, not physically) due to use of marijuana. Took all of their motivation away and they closed out all of their friends to hang out with stoners.

Sorry, but that doesn't fit the major MO of weed. They probably started to use more serious drugs or alcohol.

Some of my BEST friends who I would've done anything for.

So why didn't you help them? Rehab isn't a new concept. Weed isn't exactly a new drug either. Plus you're in wine country; it couldn't have been that hard to get some help.

So don't you sit there and tell me it doesn't affect me.

Michael Phelps' use of it sure doesn't. He's not your friend. Even if he was, it wouldn't necessarily change things. Weed isn't chemically addictive (although it can be emotionally addictive in the same way other things can be), so it's not like he is going to be a "different person."

You need to see the world outside of what the DARE officer told you in 4th grade.


My students were very disappointed in this news. Phelps went from being someone who was admired to a loser in their eyes.

See, this is my big problem with this whole story. Why? Why does Phelps' status change? He still did achieve those 8 gold medals. He still is dangerously fast in the water.

Why does being a weed smoker change all that? It's a private recreational activity as much as playing pool or playing video games is. This is just a case of the stigma of weed living to fight another day. If this was anything else, we wouldn't give a damn (imagine the headlines: Phelps sinks cue ball in corner pocket, or, Phelps owns at WOW).


but when you are a role model and fail people take notice.

Who made him a role model in everything? He should only be an athletic role model. If parents expect their children to learn everything from one person, they're sorely mistaken. We can have numerous role models in our lives for various things.

For example, I admire Ghandi for his firm desire to make peace between Hindus and Muslims. I don't really look up to Ghandi in the realm of, say, scientific accomplishment. And besides, whatever Ghandi did in his private life doesn't have any bearing on his real accomplishments. The same is true for Phelps. He's still a remarkable athlete. If anyone changes their judgement of that information based on this weed business, then they're reading too much into a single role model.


For the record, I've never smoked weed or consumed it in any way, but I just hate the incredibly audacity we have in judging someone over nothing. Some people really need to see the bigger picture.

[nick9191]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJIX58PYQtw

[Hawkeye411]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJIX58PYQtw

LOL LOL LOL :D :D :D HAAAAA HAAA HA HAA HAAAAA HAA That was funny ..... ohhhhhh mannn .... haaa ha haa ha ha ... uhhhh .... what were we talking about man :confused:

[AP_piano295]

It does harm me. I don't like breathing in second hand smoke, I don't like dealing with drunk people and I've lost many friends (mentally, not physically) due to use of marijuana. Took all of their motivation away and they closed out all of their friends to hang out with stoners.

Some of my BEST friends who I would've done anything for. So don't you sit there and tell me it doesn't affect me.

Its not the substances fault its your friends fault. Weed isnt even physically addictive so if your friends gave up their life for it then they were never the "wonderful" people you thought they were.

Weed isnt like heroin, or coke, or alchohol, or cigarettes this stuff doesnt hijack your synapses and induce any powerful physical desires. If you cant learn to moderate with weed then your pretty much already doomed because if weed doesnt take over your life than World of Warcraft will.

I OCASTIONALLY smoke weed, I'm also a strait A student who works two jobs, has a great girlfriend. I ocastionally competes in amature skiing competitions, do art, and am working at starting my own small buisness this summer.

I MODERATE I dont let anything like weed (which I am very much aware is not something that helps me accomplish anything, be a better person whatever...) take over my life but ocastionally I use it because it is fun. I sometimes play video games because they are FUN but I am not accomplishing anything "real" when playing games so I need to moderate that activity as well.

You cant blame the substance (especially if its a non addictive one like weed) If your friends fell apart on it then they always lacked an ability to balance.

[iGary]

I OCASTIONALLY smoke weed, I'm also a strait A student who works two jobs, has a great girlfriend. I ocastionally competes in amature skiing competitions, do art, and am working at starting my own small buisness this summer.

You got an A in English?

[calculus]

You got an A in English?

Dam write he did...

[AP_piano295]

You got an A in English?

I havent had to take it since 12th grade so no. Spelling and Grammer, have never been my strong suits, sorry.

[AP_piano295]

Dam write he did...

Good job.

[TuffLuffJimmy]

Dam write he did...

*high five*

That made my day! :)

[iJohnHenry]

We are all doomed.

[MacNut]

We are all doomed.You are just noticing this now.:p

[YS2003]

I think those marketers who chose Phelps for their products/services would be pulling a plug in droves. Swimming is not a bad-boy sport, compared to other aggressive sports and sponsors might not have a high tolerance for DUI and a bong hit by an immature boy.
If I am a marketing manager with one of Phelps' sponsor companies, I would cancel the agreement with in a heart beat.

[DiamondMac]

I don't like breathing in second hand smoke Move

I don't like dealing with drunk people

Then don't

and I've lost many friends (mentally, not physically) due to use of marijuana. Took all of their motivation away and they closed out all of their friends to hang out with stoners.

That is their fault just as it is for those who can't handle their alcohol

[MacNut]

I agree about second hand smoke being bad. Sometimes you are places and you can't get away from it.

[Theophany]

I agree about second hand smoke being bad. Sometimes you are places and you can't get away from it.

Such as? We gave you the freaking aeroplanes, the restaurants, the pubs, the clubs, the trains, the buses, the universities, the workplace, the underground, the malls, communal living areas and everywhere with more than two walls. There's a lot more places you can go and not get second hand smoke than we can go to get first hand smoke.

It used to be I'd walk 5 miles for a Camel. Now you have to walk 5 fricking miles just to have a Camel. :rolleyes:

[MacNut]

Private clubs and casinos are still exempt.

Plus that does nothing for private residences.

Smoking is still a deadly habit, why don't we just get rid of it. Since we won't lets legalize pot.

[Theophany]

Private clubs and casinos are still exempt.

Plus that does nothing for private residences.

Smoking is still a deadly habit, why don't we just get rid of it. Since we won't lets legalize pot.

Private residences belong to their owners, they are within their rights to do whatever inside of them. Private clubs are of exclusive membership and I presume you mean Las Vegas casinos, which is of no significance seeing as Las Vegas is a lawless town anyway. ;)

You couldn't ban cigarettes, period. Too much tax revenue just vanished. If the government could tax marijuana, I'd guarantee you that it would be legal. But anybody can grow it, so it's impossible to tax.

[MacNut]

I presume you mean Las Vegas casinos, which is of no significance seeing as Las Vegas is a lawless town anyway. ;)No I mean Connecticut.;)

[Theophany]

No I mean Connecticut.;)

Ah, my bad. Tell me, is a vacation in Connecticut cheaper than a vacation in Vegas? :D

[MacNut]

I doubt it.:p 2nd most expensive state in the country.

[dukebound85]

how do 8 others get arrested for the photo and not phelps again?

http://msn.foxsports.com/other/story/9204256/Report:-Eight-charged-over-Phelps-bong-photo?MSNHPHCP&GT1=39002

[Dont Hurt Me]

Its refer madness,This south carolina yahoo cop must have just got his copy meanwhile while he is putting so much effort into this murderers have not been caught in his district. The sheriff should be fired for ignoring real crime and wasting time on this so called crime.
When did weed become more important then rape,murder,stealing,car jacking and so many others. Ridiculous but this is South Carolina.

[dukebound85]

sorry, but what does south carolina have to do with this again? any state would probably be acting this way

[Dont Hurt Me]

sorry, but what does south carolina have to do with this again? any state would probably be acting this wayYeah sure they would:rolleyes: This was a horrible crime and it was lets see...4 months ago? Boy I sure feel safer now.....meanwhile a woman was murdered at a bank in this town and I dont think they have caught anyone yet. Maybe because they are pissing away man hours going after a national hero who did nothing.

[dukebound85]

Yeah sure they would:rolleyes: This was a horrible crime and it was lets see...4 months ago? Boy I sure feel safer now.....meanwhile a woman was murdered at a bank in this town and I dont think they have caught anyone yet. Maybe because they are pissing away man hours going after a national hero who did nothing.

oh i bet they would....

sorry i just dont know why you look down on south carolina for no logical reason

your point against murders happenins is unrelated really. i mean lets see, out congress sure takes mlb players taking steroids serious when my lord, we have bigger issues goin on

yea, dont think this type of behaviour is limited solely to sc:rolleyes:

remember, celebrities make news. same with kobe and his alledged rape, same with r kelly and his kiddie porn..... i mean need i go on? those crimes sure arent as bad as murder....yet still illegal and need punishment

what do you propose they do, nothing at all?

[iJohnHenry]

I suggest they get a dictionary.

priorities
One entry found.

Main Entry:
pri·or·i·ty
Pronunciation:
\prī-ˈȯr-ə-tē, -ˈär-\
Function:
noun
Inflected Form(s):
plural pri·or·i·ties
Date:
14th century
1 a (1): the quality or state of being prior (2): precedence in date or position of publication —used of taxa b (1): superiority in rank, position, or privilege (2): legal precedence in exercise of rights over the same subject matter
2: a preferential rating ; especially : one that allocates rights to goods and services usually in limited supply <that project has top priority>
3: something given or meriting attention before competing alternatives

[Dont Hurt Me]

oh i bet they would....

sorry i just dont know why you look down on south carolina for no logical reason

your point against murders happenins is unrelated really. i mean lets see, out congress sure takes mlb players taking steroids serious when my lord, we have bigger issues goin on

yea, dont think this type of behaviour is limited solely to sc:rolleyes:Sounds like you could be from south carolina, I just so glad that this sheriff is working so hard to keep us safe, I mean really what if he blew that smoke in someones face? or the room might still like smoke? Phelps is a big time law breaker isnt he and deserves to be in the slammer so we the taxpayer can pay for another lawyer,another judge, and the courtroom recorder, and the sheriff, and the jailers and the cooks who feed these hardened criminals, and all the paperwork that will accompany this. What a F....Scam our system has been turned into. No wonder this nation is broke.

[dukebound85]

Sounds like you could be from south carolina, I just so glad that this sheriff is working so hard to keep us safe, I mean really what if he blew that smoke in someones face? or the room might still like smoke? Phelps is a big time law breaker isnt he and deserves to be in the slammer so we the taxpayer can pay for another lawyer,another judge, and the courtroom recorder, and the sheriff, and the jailers and the cooks who feed these hardened criminals, and all the paperwork that will accompany this. What a F....Scam our system has been turned into. No wonder this nation is broke.

except im not from the south.....

you dont realize how media obsessed our country is it seems. when a big time celebrrity is seen partaking in an illegal act, you can be sure people will act

i mean heck, why do you think this is limited to phelps and sc? many authorities will go after people on myspace/facebook doing the same type of behavior such as drinking while underage. stupid kids will post photos of themselves doing illegal acts and some do indeed get punished

you argue thats a waste of resources too?

stop making excuses for phelps breaking a law

by your logic, only serious crimes need to be enforced, all these little ones are ok as its not that big of a deal to you in your opinion as you think its a waste of resources when the really bad guys are still out there

please

[TuffLuffJimmy]

except im not from the south.....

you dont realize how media obsessed our country is it seems. when a big time celebrrity is seen partaking in an illegal act, you can be sure people will act

i mean heck, why do you think this is limited to phelps and sc? many authorities will go after people on myspace/facebook doing the same type of behavior such as drinking while underage. stupid kids will post photos of themselves doing illegal acts and some do indeed get punished

you argue thats a waste of resources too?

stop making excuses for phelps breaking a law

by your logic, only serious crimes need to be enforced, all these little ones are ok as its not that big of a deal to you in your opinion as you think its a waste of resources when the really bad guys are still out there

please

Well if we don't think that this act should be illegal then of course we don't think police should go after pot heads. It shouldn't be illegal in the first place.

[dukebound85]

Well if we don't think that this act should be illegal then of course we don't think police should go after pot heads. It shouldn't be illegal in the first place.

thats another debate for another thread. as it is today, the law says its illegal, like it or not

[TuffLuffJimmy]

thats another debate for another thread. as it is today, the law says its illegal, like it or not

It's also illegal to whistle under water in Portland on Sunday. You want that law enforced?

[dukebound85]

It's also illegal to whistle under water in Portland on Sunday. You want that law enforced?

stop defending phelps breaking a law.

where do you draw the line then by your logic?

last i checked, weed use is illegal nationwide as well and its a law that is actively enforced like speeding or stealing...

if your sole argument for weed use is alot of silly laws in various states created forever ago and not activly enforced, thats a weak defense

[ZiggyPastorius]

stop defending phelps breaking a law.

where do you draw the line then by your logic?

last i checked, weed use is illegal nationwide as well and its a law that is actively enforced like speeding or stealing...

if your sole argument for weed use is alot of silly laws in various states created forever ago and not activly enforced, thats a weak defense

But it's not. The argument is "solely" that it's a victimless crime that should not be illegal in the first place. Whether it's a discussion for another thread or not, the point they seem to be making is not that we should not go after Michael Phelps, it seems to be that they are saying we should not be wasting time and resources with stupid laws (which the entire drug war ordeal consists of), we should be going after people who are committing real crimes.

So here are your choices:

Say that the fact that it's illegal is all that matters in this case and thus you must accept the argument that whistling underwater in portland is illegal so it should enforced as well...

Accept that other people don't believe it should be illegal and therefore the whole Michael Phelps thing is a waste of time while you claim the opposite.

You can't say it matters because it's illegal, then disregard other stupid illegalities.

[benlee]

Although I haven't read through the entire thread. I can already infer the arguments being made here.

1. Marijuana is illegal and Phelps shouldn't get a special pass
2. Marijuana is illegal and should be enforced regardless if it should be legal
3. Marijuana is illegal but not a big deal so we should leave Phelps alone.

First of all, I don't know under what legal theory Phelps could be prosecuted under. If possession of Marijuana is what is illegal, I doubt a picture with a bong is enough for a conviction.

Is it necessary to pursue a conviction (allocating unnecessary funds to prosecute), especially in this time for this? Really?

I understand that we shouldn't give Phelps a break because he is a celebrity...we also should not prosecute him just because he is a celebrity.

If i posted a picture of myself smoking a bong on the internet and admitted it was weed and it was me smoking it---I highly highly doubt anyone would would prosecute me and I highly highly highly doubt if they did they would be able to convict me.

I hate how people say it is illegal-end of story. That is not the end of the story. People have a right to challenge a law and are innocent until proven guilty.

Then there are also laws that clearly stink. You want to incarcerate more people than any other nation for minor drug crimes and allocate all this money for it, meanwhile we have the a horrible education and health care system in our country?

Sorry for sloppiness in my writing. I'm multitasking

[Dont Hurt Me]

Some laws are based on lies and politics. The marijuana laws are based on lies,fraud, and politics. I guess we cant blame this sheriff , if this is the best he can do. 4 months and he almost has this case solved. A true american hero, not at all like Phelps who must have stolen those 8 gold medals.

Maybe his next case will be locking up someone for skipping school? Or if hangs around a intersection he might save society from the ...jaywalker. Heck he might even catch someone having oral sex. These are all as serious as the evil marijuana which has caused the deaths of thousands and thousands and destroyed countless lives. Maybe we should enact laws that throws them in jail for life for even knowing someone that smokes, that should grow our Police state.:)Hey we can all be Nazi's... I mean law enforcement. Here here for the motherland,,or is it Homeland.

[benlee]

Some laws are based on lies and politics. The marijuana laws are based on lies,fraud, and politics. I guess we cant blame this sheriff , if this is the best he can do. 4 months and he almost has this case solved. A true american hero, not at all like Phelps who must have stolen those 8 gold medals.

Maybe his next case will be locking up someone for skipping school? Or if hangs around a intersection he might save society from the ...jaywalker. Heck he might even catch someone having oral sex. These are all as serious as the evil marijuana which has caused the deaths of thousands and thousands and destroyed countless lives. Maybe we should enact laws that throws them in jail for life for even knowing someone that smokes, that should grow our Police state.:)Hey we can all be Nazi's... I mean law enforcement.

Basically the gist of what I wanted to say but much much much more clear

[dukebound85]

But it's not. The argument is "solely" that it's a victimless crime that should not be illegal in the first place
i wouldnt say its victimless at all. it does affect others

Whether it's a discussion for another thread or not
it is. makes me wonder how many of the pro weed users are users themselves or have used at some point

the point they seem to be making is not that we should not go after Michael Phelps, it seems to be that they are saying we should not be wasting time and resources with stupid laws (which the entire drug war ordeal consists of), we should be going after people who are committing real crimes.

yet that doesnt stop the law being enforced on weed concerning nfl, nba players and the average joe from getting in trouble. why should phelps be treated special?

So here are your choices:

Say that the fact that it's illegal is all that matters in this case and thus you must accept the argument that whistling underwater in portland is illegal so it should enforced as well...

thats a silly argument

Accept that other people don't believe it should be illegal and therefore the whole Michael Phelps thing is a waste of time while you claim the opposite.

other people? you mean a minority of people who use it themselves or did at some time?
the majority are against it and heck, even today, smoking legal drugs can still get you in trouble depending where you do it. such as within such and such distance from entraces, in apts and even restaraunts in many cities
You can't say it matters because it's illegal, then disregard other stupid illegalities.


so by your logic it should be ok to steal because people wont get arrested for whistling underwater.....sorry that logic is flawed

there is a big difference between laws actively enforced in which everyone knows its illegal (nationwide too i might add) vs municiple ordinances that were created decades ago that are no longer enforced and wouldnt hold up in today's courts

[ZiggyPastorius]

i wouldnt say its victimless at all. it does affect others

Ah, right, I forgot, people are brainwashed by the term victimless crime, so what was that term that Peter McWilliams used...ah, yes, "Consensual crimes." Better?

Consensual crime: Any activity, currently illegal, in which we, as adults, choose to participate that does physically harm the person or property of another.

I'd say that fits pretty well.

it is. makes me wonder how many of the pro weed users are users themselves or have used at some point

Worry no more about me. I have not nor do I have any desire to.

yet that doesnt stop the law being enforced on weed concerning nfl, nba players and the average joe from getting in trouble. why should phelps be treated special?

thats a silly argument

It is. And it wasn't my argument. I wasn't really making an argument, instead I was making a statement about what I saw others' arguments being, and that was that no one should be getting in trouble, not that Michael Phelps is somehow special. I couldn't give a **** less about him.

other people? you mean a minority of people who use it themselves or did at some time?
the majority are against it and heck, even today, smoking legal drugs can still get you in trouble depending where you do it. such as within such and such distance from entraces, in apts and even restaraunts in many cities

Okay? I don't see how this has anything to do with the illegality of marijuana.

so by your logic it should be ok to steal because people wont get arrested for whistling underwater.....sorry that logic is flawed

Where did I say this? I said that you can't talk about how the only thing that matters in this thread is the fact that it is illegal, then say the fact that other things (which are more ridiculous) are illegal is irrelevant. That's having it both ways. Has nothing to do with something being illegal BECAUSE something else is illegal. I didn't say that nor imply it.

there is a big difference between laws actively enforced in which everyone knows its illegal (nationwide too i might add) vs municiple ordinances that were created decades ago that are no longer enforced

This is true, but has nothing to do with anything I said.

It's really quite astounding that you managed to misinterpret almost every single sentence in my entire post. Bolded.

[dukebound85]

It's really quite astounding that you managed to misinterpret almost every single sentence in my entire post. Bolded.

i just addressed each point as you wrote it. :cool:

fact is this:

*our society enforces the law concerning weed use like it or not

*Phelps knew this

*Phelps deliberately enaged in knowingly illegal behavior

*Phelps deserves punishment according to law

its not a waste of resources. heck, police bring dogs into school to curb this exact crime. what do you think the police will do if there is a photo of a celebrityu participating in an illegal activity?

they would be criticized even more if they chose not to do anything

[ZiggyPastorius]

i just addressed each point as you wrote it. hardly called misinterpreting:cool:

fact is this:

*our society enforces the law concerning weed use like it or not

*Phelps knew this

*Phelps deliberately enaged in knowingly illegal behavior

*Phelps deserves punishment according to law

its not a waste of resources. heck, police bring dogs into school to curb this exact crime. what do you think the police will do if there is a photo of a celebrityu participating in an illegal activity?

they would be criticized even more if they chose not to do anything

And once again...I am genuinely curious what this has to do with ANYTHING I said. You've not addressed a single point I've made, but rather have reiterated points from earlier in this thread.

[dukebound85]

And once again...I am genuinely curious what this has to do with ANYTHING I said. You've not addressed a single point I've made, but rather have reiterated points from earlier in this thread.

only my first sentence was in reply to your post:rolleyes: as far as your points, i did address them in an earlier post...one by one so i am curious how you are confused to be honest


the rest are the facts and people seem to want to neglect them for some odd reasoning to defend phelps when there really isnt any defense to be had

[ZiggyPastorius]

only my first sentence was in reply to your post:rolleyes:


the rest is the facts and people seem to want to neglect them for some odd reasoning to defend phelps

So then if that's true, then explain to me why you individually quoted each section of my post and responded to a point that I didn't actually make in that particular post, such as:

The point they seem to be making is not that we should not go after Michael Phelps, it seems to be that they are saying we should not be wasting time and resources with stupid laws (which the entire drug war ordeal consists of), we should be going after people who are committing real crimes.

yet that doesnt stop the law being enforced on weed concerning nfl, nba players and the average joe from getting in trouble. why should phelps be treated special?

What I said said: You said their only argument for Michael Phelps not getting in trouble is that there are stupid laws. I said that wasn't their point, but rather their point was that weed should not be illegal for anyone, and we have better stuff to put our resources into.

What you said I said: That Michael Phelps is special and that the fact that someone doesn't believe anyone should get in trouble for Weed is irrelevant, so if they say that, you interpret it as "Phelps should get special treatment" regardless of what everyone gets.

That's an example of the misinterpretation. You could do the same thing on your own with the rest of the points you quoted and argued against.

Edit: And I apologise, as I thought you meant the earlier post before your edit. However, the point still stands.

Edit 2: And yes, there IS a defence to be had. The defence is that no one should be getting punished for this. This has nothing to do with Michael Phelps being special, but trickles down to him by its nature.

[NT1440]

Lol duke, you beleive anyone engaging in drug use should be punished by the law?

Well you better start building those prisons and might as well shut down schools....

[ZiggyPastorius]

Wait, something else I'm confused on, Duke. If you're a Ron Paul supporter, how are you so against drug legalisation?

[TuffLuffJimmy]

Lol duke, you beleive anyone engaging in drug use should be punished by the law?

Well you better start building those prisons and might as well shut down schools....

haha agreed. At my school we do a survey every year and the statistics show that about 50% of seniors have tried marijuana, and about 25% are regular users.

Also: the other 50%, mormon.

[NT1440]

haha agreed. At my school we do a survey every year and the statistics show that about 50% of seniors have tried marijuana, and about 25% are regular users.

Also: the other 50%, mormon.

What part of the country are you from? That sounds suspiciously low....

that might be because of the mormons though.....

[dukebound85]

Lol duke, you beleive anyone engaging in drug use should be punished by the law?

Well you better start building those prisons and might as well shut down schools....

yea and they are so as it is if caught

Wait, something else I'm confused on, Duke. If you're a Ron Paul supporter, how are you so against drug legalisation?

i am not Ron Paul. i agree with most of what he says though

haha agreed. At my school we do a survey every year and the statistics show that about 50% of seniors have tried marijuana, and about 25% are regular users.

Also: the other 50%, mormon.


thats really high, disturbing

[NT1440]

thats really high, disturbing

Why does it disturb you?

You realize that marijuana users surround you in your everday life right? Not everyone that smokes is some pathetic burnout. Casual tokers are everywhere.

[CalBoy]

any state would probably be acting this way

Not really.

If you're in the Bay Area, many parts of LA and San Diego, and other parts of California, lighting up a joint in front of a cop will probably get you a "hey, don't let me catch you with that again." and move on.

I'm sure many other parts of the country that have real crime issues to deal with probably have similar unofficial policies.

[Dont Hurt Me]

Why does it disturb you?

You realize that marijuana users surround you in your everday life right? Not everyone that smokes is some pathetic burnout. Casual tokers are everywhere.
Thats the real world, people of all professions and many who like to relax at the end of the day with one of these which by the way is much safer then alcohol.

Govt is missing out on billions thats going to the drug dealers instead of taxes. Congress is pretty stupid hence the current economic situation.

We should start a petition Free Phelps!:D

[iBlue]

Oooooh, a ROOR, those are good bongs! http://upc.edesignuk.com/uploads/smilies/3-thumbup2.gif


I can't believe what a big fiasco has been made of this. If anything it goes to show that you can smoke a bit of ganja and still go on to win gold medals... oh crap, can't have people realizing that weed isn't going to wreck your life, better make a huge issue of it and vilify him! :rolleyes:

The amount of BS propaganda surrounding marijuana is astounding. Lighten up, folks. ;)

[iJohnHenry]

It will remain illegal until they can figure a way to tax it.

That's all it is.

Problem is (for the tax dude), unlike alcohol and tobacco, producing pot at-home is easy. I had a friend who grew some potent stuff back in the '70s. Just hung it up-side-down in a closet to cure it.

:cool:

[Dont Hurt Me]

Should be mentioned the police arrested the two who rented the apartment and even found a small amount of weed at the new residence this guy had, but instead of asking about the weed the questions they posed were all about Phelps. This is nothing more then a witch hunt by publicity seekers.

Here is the new articlehttp://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/29125081

[Dont Hurt Me]

Here is the Petition against this Sheriff who has now arrested 8 people who were at this party 4 months ago.http://petitiononline.com/LottPot/petition.html

This sheriff has snapped, turns out he bought a armor personnel carrier thats armed with a 50 caliber machine gun in a turret that South Carolina taxpayers get to pay for.

[TuffLuffJimmy]

Oooooh, a ROOR, those are good bongs! http://upc.edesignuk.com/uploads/smilies/3-thumbup2.gif


I've hit one of those and it blew my mind! :eek:


Here is the Petition against this Sheriff who has now arrested 8 people who were at this party 4 months ago.http://petitiononline.com/LottPot/petition.html

This sheriff has snapped, turns out he bought a armor personnel carrier thats armed with a 50 caliber machine gun in a turret that South Carolina taxpayers get to pay for.

Sure I think smoking pot is akin to getting drunk, it should only be done in moderation, there's no such thing as "safe" drugs, etc. but seriously???? People actually support people like that sheriff who are just high on their own power! That's way more dangerous than getting baked.

[dukebound85]

sherrif is gonna press

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/swimming/news/story?id=3911474

[Dont Hurt Me]

Sheriiff was on TV today recanting himself, what a ahole. After arresting 7 or 8 people associated with this now he says he isnt going to arrest Phelps when that was his whole reason in the 1st place. He had no case and either lawyers told him this or someone higher up told him to pull his head from out of his arse and stop wasting time on this and start doing his job and thats going after criminals and protecting public safety. Moron.

[glocke12]

So whats going to happen to the poor people who were arrested already in connection with this case? Will the charges against them get dropped, or will their lives be ruined while another superstar gets away with a slap on the wrist ?

[Dont Hurt Me]

So whats going to happen to the poor people who were arrested already in connection with this case? Will the charges against them get dropped, or will their lives be ruined while another superstar gets away with a slap on the wrist ?
The sheriiff has no case and if they have any kind of lawyer not much is going to happen. Even the ones caught with weed stated how all the questions by the cops were about phelps, not about the horrible deed they did smoking weed:rolleyes:A witch hunt that failed. The marijuana laws are a burden on the legal system,the law enforcement system and are a failure.
Another example where the cure is much worse then the problem. Govt is going to save you from yourself even if we have to destroy your life to do it.