
Olympic great Michael Phelps has acknowledged "regrettable" behavior and "bad judgment" after a photo in a British newspaper showed him smoking marijuana.
In a statement released to The Associated Press, the swimmer who won a record eight gold medals at the Beijing Games conceded the authenticity of the exclusive picture published Sunday by the tabloid News of the World.
Phelps said: "I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment. I'm 23 years old and despite the successes I've had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again."

Comments (3)
What's the big deal? Our cu... (Below threshold)1. Posted by Clancy | February 2, 2009 10:55 AM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
What's the big deal? Our current prez freely admits to dope, and worse still, to coke as well. Thanks to Obie, Pot will cease to be considered an illegal drug soon (just as a certain former prez convinced us all that a bj isn't sex).
1. Posted by Clancy | February 2, 2009 10:55 AM |
Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on February 2, 2009 10:55
2. Posted by DaveD | February 2, 2009 7:49 PM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Youthful indiscretion at the young age of 23. Yet he makes no excuses/ no spin like other athletes/celebrities/politicians much older than himself who have been caught in compromising situations. A lot of challenges can be had growing up and Mr. Phelps handled this in a mature manner.
2. Posted by DaveD | February 2, 2009 7:49 PM |
Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on February 2, 2009 19:49
3. Posted by Sugar | February 4, 2009 11:22 AM | Score: -2 (2 votes cast)
The leader of the Republicans took illegally obtained oxycotin and illegally smuggled Viagra across international borders - yeah rush limpdick - and both drugs are far more dangerous that pot. Everyone can just relax or send rush to jail and treat5 everyone the same!
3. Posted by Sugar | February 4, 2009 11:22 AM |
Score: -2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on February 4, 2009 11:22