Michael Phelps might have a way to get back some of that serious endorsement cash he's losing from that bong smoking scandal -- and all he's gotta do is switch up his smoking device. 
Smokey McSpeedo's "extracurricular activities" have perked the interest of a Gurkha Cigars, who just offered Phelps a cool $25,000 to be their official "smokesperson."
In a letter to Phelps, Gurkha said, "We would like to provide you with the opportunity to do what you do best - smoke and swim. And while we can't help you with your swimming skills, we can definitely offer you the best of the best when it comes to the cigar world."
2/10/2009 2:05 AM PST BY TMZ STAFF
Phelps Offered $25k to Blaze it Up
See More
Reader Comments
(Page 1 of 2) | 1 | 2 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments2.
How utterly embarrassing ... a SWIMMER to promote a nicotine addiction?? ooouuuuuch.
Lungs are a PRIMARY function in swimming... it's bad enough to breathe our already poluted air,..but to intentionally add directly to that? I'm sure Mr. Phelps will probably turn this deal down. Truly not in his best interest as an Olympic swimmer.
Likes 0
Dislikes 0
4.
LMAO! This is funny and this cigar company should come better with the endorsement money. Phelps gets MILLIONS of dollars for his endorsements so I doubt he would further ruin his image for a few thousand dollars.
Likes 0
Dislikes 0
5.
Wow you people are naive, this is free publicity for the cigar company (thanks TMZ), not a serious sponsorship offer
Likes 0
Dislikes 0
6.
What a shock, the guy's a pothead. That just explains his reasons for looking like some retarded Ogre. Michael Phelps is a GREAT example that females will go after any retard who has bling regardless of how retarded looking he is.
Likes 0
Dislikes 0
7.
Smoking and physical activity don't mix! Those poor lungs! Phelps would have to be crazy to do this.
Likes 0
Dislikes 0
8.
A little bored? Check out *** SUGARBABYDATE. C OM *** There are Over millions of profiles from all over the world! No matter where you are or what you are, you can find someone just around your neighborhood. You can get their pictures, phone numbers, locations, and almost any information.Everything is FREE! Don't forget to tell your friends!
Likes 0
Dislikes 0
9.
OOOOH, WOW...a whole $25,000...I'm sure that'd make it feel like all of his troubles were behind him. Now he can afford the used Hyundai he's always dreamed of.
Likes 0
Dislikes 0
10.
@ 1 & 7-
You don't inhale cigar smoke, it's too harsh. Absorption is via oral mucous membranes, sometimes (rarely) nasal. Nicotine addiction is seldom a factor with cigar smokers. It's something typically done sparingly, not compulsively like cigarette smoking. Many pro-athletes are cigar fans. Probably not so much with Olympic Athletes, because it's an expensive social behavior. Most Olympic athletes don't have the $$ or the need to show off like Pro's. While I wouldn't condone it for minors because of the cancer risk- the guy has the right to do what he wants with his body. If he's no longer the good-boy of sports according to sponsors because he took a toke, maybe this is where he needs to go. I am disappointed with Gurkhas lowball offer. For the cigarmaker to the Sultan of Brunai, I think 25k a year is pretty chinsy.
Likes 0
Dislikes 0
12.
Oh yeah, and smoking cigars is just sooooooo much healthier than smoking a bong - especially for a world class athlete. We'll see how money hungry Phelps may be if he jumps at the endorsement.
Likes 0
Dislikes 0
13.
biologist-at-large: Thank you for setting this straight, everyone seems to think that cigars give people lung cancer.. I don't know how many people I've had to break it to that you DON'T INHALE CIGAR SMOKE.. at least it's not intended for that. That stuff'll rip you up.
Likes 0
Dislikes 0
