Recently, photos were released of Michael Phelps smoking from a bong.  Apparently, this is a big deal to some people.  The Sheriff of Richmond County (Columbia, SC) says an investigation is underway and they could press charges. 

I don’t understand why people are freaking out about this.  It’s not like he was smoking crack or heroin.  Plus, I highly doubt he was hitting the bong before swimming at the Olympics.  Why is it such a big deal?

Yes, some see him as a role model.  Parents are angry because they think their kids are gonna start smoking pot because they saw Michael Phelps doing it.  Let me say this, if that happens, you have more problems as a parent than you think.  Parents need to make sure their kids are bright enough and have enough self-esteem to not be so easily influenced.  I see lots of people doing lots of stupid things, but I was brought up to know you shouldn’t do something just because someone else is doing it.  Not that smoking pot is stupid…but being a celebrity and doing it while someone takes a picture is stupid.

I think everyone needs to just lay off him.  He’s human like everyone else.  So what if he smokes pot, he could be doing lots worse.