All posts containing the tag: "bonggate"
Posted Feb 16th 2009 3:15PM by TMZ Staff
The 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."
Filed under: TMZ Sports, Michael Phelps
Tags: bong, bonggate, marijuana, michael phelps, MichaelPhelps, pot, smoking, weed
Posted Feb 10th 2009 1:55PM by TMZ Staff
There are several reasons to watch this clip: 1) Jennie Finch is hot. 2) Jennie Finch, who won a gold medal in the same Olympics as Michael Phelps, guilt trips the dude over his bong scandal 3) Jennie Finch is really hot.
Filed under: TMZ Sports, Michael Phelps, Exclusives
Tags: bonggate, Jennie Finch, JennieFinch, Michael Phelps, MichaelPhelps, Olympic medals, OlympicMedals, Olympics, softball
Posted Feb 10th 2009 12:10PM by TMZ Staff
OVERKILL - noun - 1) the amount by which destruction or the capacity for destruction exceeds what is necessary. 2) excessive treatment or action; too much of something.
Eight people connected to that infamous Columbia, SC pot party where Michael Phelps was photographed taking a bong rip back in November have now been arrested by the Richland County Sheriff's Department -- seven for possession and one for dealing.
Included in Sheriff Leon Lott's arrest extravaganza: The suspected owner of the bong -- who wasn't even at the party -- but was allegedly trying to sell the bong on eBay for $100,000, according to WIS.
The bong is reportedly not responding well to Lott's questioning -- and is blaming it on a loss of short-term memory.
Don't worry -- Phelps is still a free man.
Filed under: TMZ Sports, Michael Phelps
Tags: arrest, arrested, bong, bonggate, marijuana, Michael Phelps, MichaelPhelps, pot, weed
Posted Feb 10th 2009 12:05AM by TMZ Staff
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."
Filed under: Michael Phelps
Tags: bong, bonggate, Gurkha Cigars, GurkhaCigars, marijuana, Michael Phelps, MichaelPhelps, pot, smokesperson, spokesperson, weed
Posted Feb 7th 2009 12:25PM by TMZ Staff
Everyone knows the first rule of marketing is to know your audience -- the kind of audience that orders two foot longs and a bag of chips a little past 4:20 each day.
Either way, Subway has decided not to ditch Michael Phelps following his incident with the device that's generally sold "for tobacco use only."
Subway says "Like most Americans, and like Michael Phelps himself, we were disappointed in his behavior. Also like most Americans, we accept his apology. Moving forward, he remains in our plans."
At least Michael knows where he can get his next meal, even if it isn't a bowl of Kellogg's cereal.
Filed under: Wacky & Weird, TMZ Sports, Michael Phelps
Tags: bonggate, marijuana, michael phelps, MichaelPhelps, pot, smoke, subway, weed
