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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16. Oral sex is illegal too but I don't see anybody getting arrested for it.Geez.

Posted at 3:43PM on Feb 16th 2009 by mary

17. For god's sake he wasn't injecting heroin or sniffing a line of coke or meth. He works hard If he wants to smoke a bowl and chill let him. But he should have done it in his house by himself with the door closed.

Posted at 3:38PM on Feb 16th 2009 by Lorena

18. Why is this TOOL considered a hero? Just because he can swim fast?? He lost his endorcement with Catilac because of a DUI and now he has lost other endorcements because of the bong picture. Yeah he is a true American Hero alright!!! What a joke!

Posted at 3:38PM on Feb 16th 2009 by ed

19. To project-run away... Deal with your kids and grandkids in the manner you wish and they can choose who they desire to look to as a mirror of reflection. However, this young man didn't get to sow any wild oats as he was individuating from his family of origin and maturing into young adulthood (due to his 24/7 athletic training) and had an opportunity to finally let his hair down for awhile after the Summer Olympics. Had he been smoking pot, taking drugs, and/or heavily drinking throughout the years he would never have been able to achieve such incredible athletic success.

Posted at 3:59PM on Feb 16th 2009 by Mara

20. Im glad an athelete got caught smoking weed just to show america that weed is good for the body,kinda like milk.maybe one day we can get it legalized

Posted at 3:46PM on Feb 16th 2009 by pantherfanej

21. He really should have all of his gold medals stripped away. He is no role model after being photographed using dangerous drugs.

Posted at 3:46PM on Feb 16th 2009 by eric c.

22. Did anyone seriously think charges would be brought againt (gasp) a sports figure?! Callhim what you want, but he is DEFINITELY not a hero or anyone I would point out to my kids as a role model!

Posted at 6:14AM on Feb 17th 2009 by nannette

23. First of all, #15, excellent point. Secondly, those of you that are up in arms that he (GASP!) smoked some weed, how many martinis (beers, chardonnays) did YOU consume last time you got together with friends? Did you drive home? And last, but certainly not least, I can't believe that any law enforcement agency is in so in need of ways to fill their time that they would take the time, effort and resources to arrest EIGHT people because of this stupid picture.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!STOP THE MADNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted at 3:59PM on Feb 16th 2009 by lost in lalaland

24. Hey, ed, #14. Go back to second grade and catch up with the third grade spellers. Idiot.

Posted at 4:01PM on Feb 16th 2009 by The Skizzler

25. #13 Irie5446, nice slip, if you think it's "harmless" which is what I am guessing you were trying to say, then you have smoked away all your brain cells.

Posted at 1:29PM on Feb 17th 2009 by xxx

26. oh the horror - my god, it was pot... doesn't he know it'll cause his mind to turn and cause him to go on a killing spree (sarcasm)... I mean listen to the politicians (wait til they put down their fifth of scotch)....

Somebody get Nancy Reagan and Elizabeth Dole on the phone... Time to bring out that wildly successful "Just Say No" campaign.. it did wonders the first time around (LOL)....

I mean look at all the deaths due to pot use vs. alcohol... that's why we have so many fatal DUI's (sarcasm) ....

Posted at 4:14PM on Feb 16th 2009 by Dan

27. How is he a hero? All he does is swim. The men and women over seas are Heros.

Posted at 2:48PM on Feb 20th 2009 by JJBoy

28. I'm not a fan of marijuana personally, but I've done it enough to know that it's harmless.. less so than alcohol and/or cigarettes, both of which I AM addicted to. The fact that this case got as big as it did is a damn embarrassment to our entire country.. a country which is evidently full of ignorant prudes who are so quick to demonize things they know nothing about.

Posted at 4:16PM on Feb 16th 2009 by miley$$$

29. People, the ones who got arrested were the ones who #1 lived there (so they are automatically responsible under the law for the drug being in their residence), and the one who the mj supposedly belonged to, and I think some of them that supposedly sold it to the person who brought the mj to the party. They didn't charge Michael because it didn't belong to him and he didn't live there. It was a stupid witch-hunt though, that was blown so far out of proportion it isn't even funny.

Posted at 4:16PM on Feb 16th 2009 by greeneyedlass

30. Sheriff must be a big fan of Phelps
It's like the LA Jail systems
If you are wasted space in print and wasted air time in all types of media and do not have a profession of course you may get away with anything from smoking drugs, drinking driving and murder.
Please either get all charges dropped or stay in our waiting overbooked cells for a few hours. The choice is always yours

Posted at 4:17PM on Feb 16th 2009 by G

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