Michael Phelps Suspended, Dropped By Kellogg’s
The recent firestorm surrounding Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps continues to have fallout for the hero athlete. He admitted over the weekend that he had smoked marijuana at a party in November 2008.
Phelps found out yesterday that he has been suspended for three months from competitive swimming by its governing body, USA Swimming. They have also withdrawn their financial support for the athlete.
In a statement yesterday, they said:
“This is not a situation where any anti-doping rule was violated, but we decided to send a strong message to Michael because he disappointed so many people, particularly the hundreds of thousands of USA Swimming member kids who look up to him as a role model and a hero. Michael has voluntarily accepted this reprimand and has committed to earn back our trust.”
Earlier in the day Thursday, the Kellogg Company said it will not renew Phelps’ advertising contract. “Michael’s recent behavior is not consistent with the image of Kellogg. His contract expires at the end of February, and we have made a decision not to extend it.”
To add further to Phelps’ woes, the Richland County South Carolina sheriff’s department is looking into whether Phelps smoked marijuana on the University of South Carolina campus. They plan to file criminal charges if it is determined that he did.
Phelps has endorsement contracts with a significant number of top branded companies. No word yet on whether they will follow Kellogg’s lead and sever ties with the winner of 14 Olympic gold medals.
More photos below.
Related Articles:
- Ousted American Idol 'Bikini Girl' Considering Playboy (Photos)
- Michael Phelps Apologizes For "Regrettable" Behavior
- Caroline "Caz" Pal: Michael Phelps Girlfriend
- Michael Phelps Captured in Wax (Photos)
- Michael Phelps Buys $1.69 Million Baltimore Condo
- Michael Phelps and Stephanie Rice Hook Up (Photos)
- Amanda Beard Says "Ew, No!" to Michael Phelps (Photos)
- Michael Phelps 8TH GOLD Medal (Photos, Video)
Filed under: Across the Nation, Michael Phelps, sports
I really get tired of all the negative things that people make comments or judgement about, when they are guilty of the same type of behavior. Do you ever wonder about the persons who took the photo’s or how much money they received for them. The new president has admitted that he has also smoked MJ as many others have. Are they not looked up to also as people say that Phelps is. Why would children be looking at those magazines , if they are in school they already know what a bong is…..
Do you think if your past was looked into and some of your closest friends were to come clean about you what would happen. Even Kellogg’s people would be guilty of the same offense or worst.
Overall I think that what a person does in private should be kept private and not subject to all the BS that is brought about .
Press Release(2/6/2009): Effective immediately, I will not be renewing my contract to buy Kellogg’s cereal at the store. Kellogg has not lived up to the standard of behavior of any company with which I want to do business. Go Michael!
Jim
it is better to leave a quote at times than admittenance..but honesty always prevails…i read some quotes on confessions at