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

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1.) Brendan Hansen Taking Sabbatical @ SwimmingWorldMagazine.com.

2.) Jessica Hardy at the Courtroom Door @ Olympic Insider by Alan Abrahamson.

3.) Takuro Fujii Sets Japanese Record in 100 Fly @ Swimming World Magazine.

Photos by AFP/Getty Images

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

Today, Craig Lord of SwimNews.com wrote a heartfelt article reflecting on Tara Kirk’s career and the emotional anguish felt by both her and her coach Gabe Mazurkiewicz.

Gabe Mazurkiewicz, is the Polish-born head coach of the Roseburg Swim Team who at Beaverton, WA, served as development guide to Kirk.

Here is an excerpt from Gabe Mazurkiewicz comments:

“She did everything right. She’s a great person, great student, great athlete – and she’s been destroyed by an organisation that has not been big enough to admit that it made a mistake. So, what am I going to tell my swimmers? Maybe USA Swimming has the answer.”

You can read the full story on SwimNews.com, but be warned–it’s pretty heartbreaking.

>>Full Story by Craig Lord.

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.