No Pot Charges for Phelps

Michael PhelpsThe ridiculously stupid Michael Phelps pot investigation is finally over.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said today he was not going to charge Michael Phelps over that photo of him smoking a bong.

The photo was taken at a party in November when Phelps visited the University of South Carolina. Sheriff Lot defended his investigation by saying, "Michael Phelps is truly an American hero ... but even with his star status, he is still obligated to obey the laws of our state."

Eight other people were arrested in connection with the photo -- seven for possession and one for dealing.

UPDATE -- On his Facebook page, Michael Phelps released this statement: "I'm glad this matter is put to rest. But there are also some important lessons that I've learned. For me, it's all about recognizing that I used bad judgment and it's a mistake I won't make again. For young people especially -- be careful about the decisions you make. One bad decision can really hurt you and the people you care about. I really appreciate the support my family and fans have shown me and now I will move forward and dive back into the pool, having put this whole thing behind me."

Tags: bong, bonggate, marijuana, michael phelps, MichaelPhelps, pot, smoking, weed

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1. Ridiculous that 8 other people got charged.....how does a picture of michael phelps apparently hitting a bong constitute possession charges for the 7 other people in the room as well as the one for dealing. Seems like all 8 of these people should be able to get off these charges..

Posted at 3:30PM on Feb 16th 2009 by Matt

2. What a colossal waste of time. Give me a break how do they know that pot was in the bong? The marijuana laws are a joke, people marijuana is a plant not a drug. At lease that is what the governor of California says.

Posted at 3:24PM on Feb 16th 2009 by GRock

3. Sheriff got his 5 seconds of fame

Posted at 3:26PM on Feb 16th 2009 by SocialDistortion

4. I hope they arrested the jerk who took the photo and sold it. Whoever it was, they're a turd.

Posted at 3:25PM on Feb 16th 2009 by kidd krash

5. Are you guys for real??? He is NOT a hero to my kids who looks up to him. This is another case of 'white' prejudice!!! C'mon, they all smoke the same bong and you would not charge Phelps. This is NOT a swimming issue but consuming weed!!! Stupid!

Posted at 3:25PM on Feb 16th 2009 by project run-away

6. So, he ratted out the other friends? Why is he getting away and they aren't? I think it should ALL be thrown out.. so dumb!

Posted at 3:26PM on Feb 16th 2009 by Obama Rules

7. What about the other people, the ones who were arrested and questioned? I see an impending end to prohibition!

Posted at 3:26PM on Feb 16th 2009 by Dani

8. YAY it's over....now the South Carolina Police can go an investigate actual crimes...like MURDER.....

M.P, you smoke that bong all ya want, your still an AMAZING ATHLETE!!!!!

Posted at 3:26PM on Feb 16th 2009 by JJ

9. Why is the marijuana charge against Michael Phelps so ridiculous? If this were an NBA or NFL player he would be stoned! lol

Posted at 4:11PM on Feb 16th 2009 by MJ

10. Hey #2, you're a sanctimonious jerk. Do you think you're perfect? What a joke you are. Drop dead butthole.

Posted at 3:29PM on Feb 16th 2009 by Mix It Up

11. Good, glad he got off, but PLEASE learn from this Michael. Folks are just waiting for you to screw up like this.

Take care, and leave that girl Mary Jane alone (at least in camera shot). -LOL

Posted at 3:30PM on Feb 16th 2009 by Mimi

12.
question ???
"8 other people arrested in connection with this photo" ...ok...if that's the case...
shouldn't M.P. also be arrested ??? seem's a little unfair to me...
what's fair.??? arrest all...or...drop all charges...they were all "connected" to this photo...

Posted at 3:31PM on Feb 16th 2009 by northern gypsy

13. I wonder if Micheal wasn't "famous" if the police would have charged him? Another "star" gets by with the law!!!!!!!!!

Posted at 3:33PM on Feb 16th 2009 by WHAT

14. micheal phelps is one ugly s.o.b

Posted at 8:43AM on Feb 17th 2009 by jbl

15. Seriously, I don't smoke weed, but did when I was in high school and college and really think Marijuana NEEDS to be legalized! Its a complete joke that you can go to a bar and get ass drunk to the point u are vomiting everywhere but cant sit in your own home and smoke a bowl, bong, joint or whatever! It is a completely harmful natural plant!

Posted at 3:36PM on Feb 16th 2009 by Irie5446

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