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No Pot Charges for Phelps

Posted Feb 16th 2009 3:15PM by TMZ Staff

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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46. That's some B.S.... just because hes famous now , he got away with it. Why is this moron so special? What a role model to the kids... "smoke pot kids, that's cool - Michael Phelps did it 2" ... :-)

Posted at 5:26PM on Feb 16th 2009 by Another celebrity got their way

47. Hey i'm from Brazil and i've just wanna say that Michael was gettin a reeeeeeal good push in that bong..if had sknk in thaht pot he's going faaar..uhauhauhauhauhauahuahuahauhauhauhauha

thats right, this is better than steal, clears the mind to the world laugh.
In Brazil the program is broadcast by Warner Channel.and i love it..
thats all...thanks...see ya

Posted at 6:40PM on Feb 16th 2009 by Felipe

48. He should be prosecuted. He broke the law. If you don't like a specific law, get busy and have it legally taken off the books. But as long as it's the law, every good citizen is obligated to obey. Don't rationalize his actions or your actions by saying "everybody does it". As your dear old mother probably said to you while you were a teen-ager, "If all your friends jumped off a bridge, would you, too??" So put on your big-boy pants, grow up and obey the law or suffer the consequences. And stop making excuses for law-breakers, famous or not. Nothing personal against Michael, he's a phenomenal athlete but he needs to be a law-abiding citizen if he's being used as a role model.

Posted at 6:45PM on Feb 16th 2009 by It's The Law

49. This (cough cough) supposed star athlete is a joke. I have lost all respect for this bong toking pot head. Just because he won a few medals this guy thinks he is the best thing since sliced bread. He is a looser who is only out to party and do chicks with big boobs. Go drown in your bong dude.

Posted at 6:50PM on Feb 16th 2009 by GG

50. Wow ... i think this is hilarious! Not only did every late night talk show host bash the media and the law/ but every american (except the prude excuses for human beings) that witnessed the announcement of this "oh so unbelievable" news thought it was ridiculous! He shouldn't have been taking pictures of it/ but even if so, what is the big deal? He wasn't sniffing a line of NOSE CANDY or shooting up hard-core drugs?! Even Bill Clinton once said "i didn't inhale" and that was just to please the other 30% of americans who need to shut up and smoke!

Posted at 7:48PM on Feb 16th 2009 by hit_that_pipe_sally!!

51. #48: So, you've never had a blow job? "cause that's against the law too.

Posted at 6:52PM on Feb 16th 2009 by lost in lalaland

52. From what I can research, oral sex is only illegal in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Georgia, the Carolinas, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Virginia and Washington D.C. So the moral of the story is that if you're planning to relocate, choose your new home wisely - LOL. Meanwhile, smoking pot is illegal in every state (I think) and I'm sure that Michael knew that he was breaking the law while he was smoking. So don't rationalize breaking one law by pointing out that other laws are being broken by consenting adults in the privacy of their bedrooms, and if you don't like a specific law, get to work and have it repealed. In Michael's case, there are photos and there are witnesses so what part of "breaking the law" is so hard for intelligent adults to understand?

Posted at 7:06PM on Feb 16th 2009 by It's The Law

53. You morons may think sheriff lott is after fame, you are totally wrong. If you people realized what cops went thru, they are not going for the popular vote. Phelps still did wrong, wheter he was a celebrity or not. I am glad sheriff lott did it, it's shows he not here for ass kissing. Try living in SC and you will be happy, they are the way they are.

Posted at 7:11PM on Feb 16th 2009 by scmom

54. #18..Marijuana is a dangerous drug? The only thing people have to fear from dope smokers is the stampede to the nearest 7-11 for their munchie binge! The Frito's, Doritos, and Little Debbie Cakes are the items in real danger.

If Michael Phelps had been snorting coke, shooting heroin, or smoking crack..THEN I would be upset. This is nothing.

Posted at 7:20PM on Feb 16th 2009 by smoke 'em if you got 'em

55. *snorts* Right. We all know it's about not being stupid enough to get caught.

Posted at 7:27PM on Feb 16th 2009 by Pistol

56. Drugs war falied

Posted at 7:32PM on Feb 16th 2009 by Da

57. If there were cameras around everytime I took a hit off a bong at that age......... Let's just say I could fill many photo albums.

Posted at 7:57PM on Feb 16th 2009 by dafeedil

58. #48, So you've never had a blow job in any of those states? So sorry to hear that. Either you don't travel much or you are one unlucky dude. Are you seriously suggesting that the people who do live in that significant number of states not engage? So you know, I've been a member of NORML for a long time and we have been trying very hard to stop the insanity of the illegality of MJ. No, we haven't been unsuccessful because we're all stoned, but because of the effects of propaganda (read: Refer Madness) had on people that were groomed not to think for themselves. You're certainly entitled to your opinion. However, if you have NEVER broken any law, you are a very rare bird. Perhaps a little boring as well? Ciao!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!STOP THE MADNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted at 8:01PM on Feb 16th 2009 by lost in lalaland

59. I can only hope this sheriff would only put as much effort into finding the murders, rapitst, and abusers in his county. I am afraid this guy saw a way to get his name in the paper, possibly arrest a gold medal winner , looking like a big bad sheriff, but instead he ended up looking like Barney Fife.
Good going there Barney, I hope your county can look at you with a clearer eye now.

Posted at 1:31AM on Feb 17th 2009 by truthandhonesty

60. i think it's unfair how he got off what about the other people who went to jail.I think they should have this pot head up two,if it was me and my freinds smoking pot i would have been aressted. M P is just a pot head. He say he made a mistake and he sorry i guess your sorry when you got caught driving drunk . This just goes to show rich and famous people get away with everything

Posted at 8:47PM on Feb 16th 2009 by monique

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