Michael Phelps...What's Your Take?

I think he's a kid under a lot of pressure to perform and little time or freedom to be a "kid".

He made a mistake, and owned up to it. Hopefully he learned his lesson...for his sake, not the public's.  Now get off his back and let him be human.

I struggle with this. His apology seems so...contrived.

I understand he made a mistake but it was such a huge one!! I could really ruin his career! And he also has to understand that he is a role model to lots of kids!!

But..true..he is under a lot of pressure. But I think there are better ways to find fun that is not illegal.

Same goes for A-Rod!!

This is not the first time for Michael Phelps. He was also arrested for DWI a few years earlier. He is not just a kid anymore and when you take on a public role like he has he should be an inspiration and example to all people, esp. young people he encounters. 

This apology was exactly the same and worded the same as the last one. I do not feel he is sincere at all. 

That's right Cathy!!! I forgot about that!!!!

I think it glamorizes bad behavior to the kids!!!

He was on a cereal box for pete's sake....now it's like "Dude...let's light up" You know what I mean!??

You all bring up some very interesting and valid points. Thank you.

A little off the topic here, but it makes me wonder, what in the make-up of the human species needs to make idols out of other evolving humans?  Who says a nineteen year old should be turned into an idol in the first place? For that matter, why do we need "celebrity" role models at all?

Have you noticed, we don't just have opinions over things such as the Phelps incident, we get down right viscous. Why would a parent who hides marijuana in her dresser drawer and smokes it, just before getting behind the wheel of a vehicle, on her day to car-pool the kids to school, be angry about Phelps (This is not hypothetical, I am speaking of a real person here)? Could it be that we have a need to project our own crimes and punish others for iniquities we commit in secret?

I don't pretend to know all the details surrounding the Phelps incident, however, there are far worse crimes going on in this world that are "swept" under the carpet for the edification of a few. Serious crimes that continue to go unpunished.

Don't misunderstand me, I do believe in prudent justice, but at the same time (where appropriate), may justice not destroy what mercy can save.

I agree too!!

Good question too!!! How do we explain that!?

personally i don't have a celebrity role model!! It doesn't mean i don't admire certain people, but i don't model myself on anyone. I think teenagers maybe do more, because they need to feel they belong to a group/gang other than their parents!  its kind of an independence thing, trying to make a mark on the world, just as a baby will throw a spoon off the high chair, it'll fall out of view, but mom/dad will come pick it up!!  its influencing their enviroment, as you get a little older the enviroment gets bigger, you discover you can influence it more!! and then you see these celebs up on pedestals, who have influenced their enviroments hugely!! you want to be just like them!

Wow!!! That makes sense! But none the less, don't you think the celebrity should have a sense of responsibilty?

You sure are smart in them PJ's Jason!