Matt Lauer, of The Today Show, sat down with Michael Phelps for the first televised interview in months to specifically address the repercussions of a publicized photo which shows Phelps apparently smoking from a marijuana bong.

Matt Lauer, of course, asks a lot of very tough, direct questions such as (and I’m paraphrasing) Between you and me, did you really smoke marijuana? Phelps’ responses are concise for the most part, and he is also very careful of his wording. Rightfully so, because Phelps’ public comments on this topic could either continue his public image healing process, or send him further down the media spiral.

My reaction upon watching the clip, which can be seen here on MSNBC.com, was that the footage looked very chopped up. It left me wondering whether someone stepped in to edit out specific comments or questions.

After watching the rest of the footage from the same interview on Dateline, it looks like the choppy editing came from trying to split one interview into segments for two separate shows. There are some overlapping parts, and some quotes that were shortened for use in either of the show segments. Once you watch both you get a better sense of the full interview.

After eight people were arrested last week, there was speculation over whether Michael Phelps would face possible possession charges resulting from a photograph of Phelps holding what appears to be a bong. Phelps admitted to the authenticity of the photograph, but not to smoking or possessing illegal drugs.

The Richland County (S.C) Sheriff Department made eight arrests (7 for possession and one for distribution of illegal drugs) after a warranted search of several residences. It appears that those who were arrested were in possession of illegal substances at the time of their arrest, and not merely associated with the party held previously. In an official statement by Sheriff Leon Lott, it was revealed that:

“The incident in November only initiated our investigation, which resulted in the arrests of adults who were at the time of their arrests in possession of illegal drugs.”

“The house of the November party had previously been the subject of a drug case and other crimes. The related house in Irmo had also been the subject of a previous drug case. Both locations were the source of problems in our community.

“The charges of those arrested in this investigation will be handled as we do in other similar type arrests.”

However, in the same statement, Sheriff Lott announced that they would not pursue charges against Michael Phelps, or anyone present at the party in November.

Sheriff Lott said that after “thoroughly investigated this matter, we do not believe we have enough evidence to prosecute anyone that was present at the November party.”

Both Phelps and Sheriff Leon Lott seem glad to be moving on. An official statement from Michael Phelps has been released:

“I

In a recent Sports Center report, ESPN’s Legal Analyst Roger Cossack makes very rational and realistic predictions about Michael Phelps’ current situation. It’s always refreshing to hear level-headed reporting like this–getting away from the celebrity hype. View the video, as hosted by Fandome, HERE or watch it below:

New details about the party where Olympic champion Michael Phelps was photographed using a bong pipe.

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department has been taking a lot of heat from local and international attention. People want to know why Sheriff Leon Lott is pursuing charges against Michael Phelps so intently.

Many are saying the sheriff should concentrate on more serious crimes, or at the very least, not focus solely on the Olympic champion when there were others at the party who were also breaking the law.

WIS News 10 reported that since investigators began trying to build a case, they’ve made eight arrests: seven for drug possession and one for distribution. The arrests resulted from a warranted search of the homes where students were living.

Watch video coverage on MSNBC below, or click HERE.

>>Watch the WIS News 10 video coverage HERE.

>>Read the Full Story on WISTV.com.
>>Related: USA Swimming Reprimands Phelps with 3 Month Suspension.
>>Related: Implications Surrounding Phelps’ Photo.

Source: WIS News 10, Universal Sports

Updated statement from USA Swimming:

USA Swimming has reprimanded Michael Phelps under its Code of Conduct by withdrawing financial support and the eligibility to compete for a period of three months effective today, Feb. 5, 2009.

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.

Source: USASwimming.org

FINA finally released a statement regarding the recent Michael Phelps controversy. Hopefully this will be the beginning of the end to news postings about this incident. If I had it my way, we’d just move on and forget about it. It is interesting, however, when people outside of the swimming community come up to me and ask about Michael Phelps and ‘the photo’–I guess, as the saying goes, “there’s no such thing as bad press” when it comes to getting your name around. The real issue is whether that press will lead Michael to further promote swimming in a positive way, or to become a shining beacon of controversy painted across tabloid pages.

The full FINA statement is included below:

After acknowledging the behaviour of Michael Phelps (USA), the greatest Olympian ever and best swimmer in history, FINA would like to reiterate its confidence and admiration for a young champion that publicly apologised for his act.

Following his unprecedented eight gold medals in a single edition of the Olympic Games, Michael Phelps definitively became a model for youth worldwide. His achievements, winning attitude and respect for his opponents are values that will remain in the history of sport.

As a citizen, Michael Phelps displayed inappropriate behaviour, but his sincere regret and the promise that such a situation will not happen again are sufficient guarantees that this great star will continue generating respect and appreciation to all fans of our sport around the globe.

FINA certainly counts on Michael Phelps to highlight the next editions of the FINA World Championships and other prestigious swimming competitions in the future.

Source: FINA.org

John Baldoni, a leadership consultant, coach, and speaker, recently commended Michael Phelps on Harvard Business Publishing. Phelps received praise for his appropriate and effective public relations strategy for handling, what some were referring to as “Bong Gate,” with a concise sincere approach. John Baldoni’s blog “Leadership at Work” deals with how leaders can use their authority, communications and presence to build trust and drive results.

>>Read the Full Article HERE.

Alan Abrahamson, author of the Olympic Insider blog for NBC’s Universal Sports, recently posted an article entitled Michael Phelps apologizes (click HERE to read). I thought I’d use my own blog post as a response to this recent article, and further discuss possible legal implications of the now infamous Phelps bong photo.

The first effect the photo could have is on Michael Phelps’ millions of fans. He surely is a role model, but the current scandal could call parents to question how positive a role model he is. It will ultimately be up to each individual to decide how they view Phelps considering the recent news–however, the poll I referred to in a previous post still shows favorable numbers for the Olympian.

The next effect the photo could have is on Phelps’ sponsorship deals. Do his sponsors still want to use the Michael Phelps image to represent their products after the embarrassing and potentially illegal photo surfaced? According to an article in the Associated Press, at least two major sponsors support Phelps through his troubles. Speedo issued the following statement to the Associated Press:

“In light of Michael Phelps’ statement yesterday, Speedo would like to make it clear that it does not condone such behavior and we know that Michael truly regrets his actions. Michael Phelps is a valued member of the Speedo team and a great champion. We will do all that we can to support him and his family.”

Ok so Speedo is still on board, what about Omega? The company seems to remain supportive of Phelps and what he stands for.

Omega said it was “strongly committed” to its relationship with Phelps, calling his Beijing accomplishments “among the defining sporting achievements in the history of sport. The current story in the press involves Michael Phelps’ private life and is, as far as Omega is concerned, a nonissue.”

Phelps appears to be in the clear as far as these two high profile sponsors are concerned. Now what about the sports’ governing bodies?

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) was quick to release a statement saying that they “have no reason to doubt [Michael Phelps'] sincerity and his commitment to continue to act as a role model.” On the other hand the US Olympic Committee had mixed feelings, obviously reprimanding Phelps for the situation, but ending their statement with:

So governing bodies may be a little disappointed but certainly have little to say about legal implications. It doesn’t appear the IOC or USOC are planning to ban Phelps from any competitions–especially because Phelps “admitted” to the authenticity of the photos, not to smoking pot. I’m not sure how much Michael Phelps’ agent makes, but I’m sure it’s enough. And, with any high profile celebrity, Phelps has surely chosen his words carefully.

Finally, will there be any legal implications? The Associated Press reported that a spokesman for a sheriff in the Richland County sheriff

When I first heard the story, I was hoping that it was going to be a total fluke, a bunch of media hype that wouldn’t hold water. I am, of course, talking about the release of a photo published by United Kingdom’s News of the World in which Michael Phelps appears holding a bong pipe up to his mouth.

Is the only sports story that could have made news during Super Bowl Sunday going to blow over quickly for Phelps? Many official committees and sponsors have already weighed in with their reaction.

Here is an excerpt from the Associated Press coverage:

In a statement released Sunday, the swimmer who won a record eight gold medals at the Beijing Games did not dispute the authenticity of the exclusive picture published Saturday by the tabloid News of the World.

News of the World said the picture was taken during a November house party while Phelps was visiting the University of South Carolina. During that trip, he attended one of the school’s football games and received a big ovation when introduced to the crowd.

While the newspaper did not specifically allege that Phelps was smoking pot, it did say the pipe is generally used for that purpose and anonymously quoted a partygoer who said the Olympic champion was “out of control from the moment he got there.”

Reactions So Far
The US Olympic Committee was disappointed in Phelps behavior, but remain confident that Phelps will set a better example in the future. Read the official USOC Statement.

>> Check out the original article from News of the World.
(including the photo, if you really want to see it)

Swimming World Magazine gathered the following information, including a statement from USA Swimming and WADA:

USA Swimming has since released its own supportive statement regarding the situation:

We are certainly disappointed in Michael’s behavior. Our Olympic champions are role models who are looked up to by people of all ages, especially young athletes who have their own aspirations and dreams.

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

In further reporting by the Associated Press, WADA responded that marijuana usage is outside of its jurisdiction outside of the competition season:

Marijuana is viewed differently from performance-enhancing drugs, according to David Howman, executive director of the World Anti-Doping Agency. An athlete is subject to WADA sanctions only for a positive test that occurs during competition periods.

“We don’t have any jurisdiction,” Howman said. “It’s not banned out of competition. It’s only if you test positive in competition.”

Therefore, stringent rules regarding drug issues and a potential ban from future Olympics do not look to be in play in this situation.

The Aftermath?
It looks like a lot of people are willing to move on and accept Phelps’ apology. Christine Brennan of USA Today said “It will be days, perhaps even weeks, before we know the extent of the damage to Phelps’ endorsements and career,” and appears skeptical of Phelps’ promise that it will never happen again. Citing Phelps’ DUI in 2004, Brennan said “Four years later, there’s another mistake and another apology. You want to believe him, of course, because he’s Michael Phelps. But, sadly, now, you do have to wonder. “

Phelps’ fans will undoubtedly be split, but some sentiment so far seems to point in his favor.

Speedo released a statement yesterday calling Phelps “a valued member of the Speedo team and a great champion.”

IOC spokeswoman Emmanuella Moreau said: “Michael Phelps is a great Olympic champion. He apologized for his inappropriate behavior. We have no reason to doubt his sincerity and his commitment to continue to act as a role model.”

A poll on NBC’s Universal Sports page asked readers “Do you think less of Michael Phelps after his recent troubles?” The results, pictured below, seem to show support for Phelps.

A poll on NBC’s Universal Sports page shows strong support for Phelps as of Monday morning.

Outside of possible financial implications and un-likely eligibility consequences, accepting Michael Phelps’ apology will become a personal decision for every ‘Phelps phan’ to make.

Source: Swimming World Magazine, News of the World

Swimming superstar Michael Phelps recently told BBC Sports that he would not be attempting to match his record 8 gold medals in a single Olympics again.

“I’m almost positive my last eight-event meet was Beijing,” said Phelps. “I’ll never swim eight events at a major competition again. When you’re swimming so many events, all you do is eat, sleep, swim; eat, sleep, swim.”

Phelps broke seven world records in Beijing, eight American records and eight Olympic records to become the most decorated male Olympian of all time with a total of 16 medals, including 14 golds.

But the workload of 17 races in nine days left Phelps feeling he had missed out on the the overall Olympic experience.

>>Read the Full Story on BBC Sports.