Olympic swimming sensation Michael Phelps has been exposed as a bong-toking pothead in a photo taken on Nov. 6 at the University of South Carolina (USC) in Columbia.

While he was visiting co-ed Jordan Matthews, Phelps stopped at a kegger where he partied with students, beer, marijuana and some quality Roor glass.

Here are two reports:

News of the World
As he basked in his hero status, Phelps knocked back beers and shots of spirits. And when a student offered him the glass bong engraved with red writing, he did not hesitate, says our source. The 6- 4 athlete, in a white T-shirt and navy cap worn back to front, clasped the device in his huge hands and inhaled deeply. Our source said: "You could tell Michael had smoked before. He grabbed the bong and a lighter and knew exactly what to do. He looked just as natural with a bong in his hands as he does swimming in the pool. He was the gold medal winner of bong hits. Michael ended up getting a little paranoid, though, because before too long he looked like he was nervous and ran out of the place.'"

Star
"At one point someone asked him if he wanted to smoke some weed. Michael didn't hesitate and headed to a small back room, where he was immediately handed a big red bong. He grabbed the bong and a lighter and ripped a huge smelly bong rip." The source continues, "He knew exactly what he was doing. He looked just as natural with a bong in his hands as he does swimming the backstroke."

Phelps issued the following apology:

''I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment. I'm 23 years old and despite the successes I've had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again.''

Phelps stands to lose lucrative endorsements. His sponsors include Mazda, Visa, Hilton Hotels, Subway, Kellogg, Omega, Speedo, 505 Games and Human Performance Labs.

Omega (the watch company) issued the following statement:

"The current story in the press involves Michael Phelps' private life and is, as far as Omega is concerned, a nonissue."

Speedo (the swimsuit company) chimed in:

"In light of Michael Phelps' statement yesterday, Speedo would like to make it clear that it does not condone such behavior and we know that Michael truly regrets his actions. Michael Phelps is a valued member of the Speedo team and a great champion. We will do all that we can to support him and his family."

A Hilton spokesperson added:

"We continue to support Michael Phelps as an athlete whose numerous athletic feats outshine an act of regrettable behavior."

HPL, which manufactures the PureSport protein drinks, are standing by their man as well:

"We applaud the fact that he has taken full and immediate responsibility for his mistake and apologized to us, his fans and the public and we support him during this difficult time,"

Phelps is represented by the Octagon, based in McLean, Virigina. His agent, Peter Carlisle, commented:

"Michael takes this very seriously and has spoken with his sponsors to personally apologize. We are encouraged by their support."

Meanwhile, in South Carolina, Richmond County Sheriff Leon Lott considered charging Phelps with marijuana possession:

"This case is no different than any other case. This one might be a lot easier since we have photographs of someone using drugs and a partial confession. It's a relatively easy case once we can determine where the crime occurred."

Lott ended his investigation without charging Phelps on Feb. 16.

Also see:

Phelps' Hot Girlfriend

Partying in Manhattan

SC Sheriff Ends Phelps Probe

Poker Player Owned Phelps Bong

The Party House on the Hill

Seven Arrested in Phelps Bong Case

Bill Maher Rips Phelps

Seth Meyers on Phelps - "REALLY!"

Hits from the Bong. Pt. 2

The Phelps Backlash

Weedies: Phelps' Latest Endorsement

Ross Rebagliati on Phelps

What Would Jack Babashoff Say?

Ashton Kutcher: Dude, Where's My Bong?

Phelps & Chong

Phelps' Roor Bong

Comments (46)

46 Saturday, 18 July 2009 20:05

Lauren

Man Columbia,SC huh, well atleast he wasn't caught doing Coke or something in College Lodge in Charleston, I mean ask around high schools in Columbia. Take district 5, Chapin's known for popping pills, Dutch Fork's known for alcohol aka driving drunk and Irmo's been known for it's ( guy soccer players especially) for it's potheads, also those little quizzes that they hand out and such for "alcohol and drug use" people lie, and when it's not mandatory, in highschool, only the "good" kids fill them out to make it seem like the schoolkids are perfect angels. Seriously and I didn't even do any drugs in hs, unless of course you count alcohol, but yeah Columbia and pot, hell atleast it wasn't freakin' meth will all the meth labs that get busted and yet I've never once had a friend or acquitance in hs who was a methead-trust me you'd notice. What I'm trying to say is no matter how smart you are you can still make bad choices and many people don't realize that marijuana can cause cancer just as tobacco does and alocohol causes impairment, but if our founding fathers had brought over marijuana instead of it being seen as not cultural not Europeans then it would be legal, and not referred to as a gateway drug to other drug, I mean that's what my high school psychology teacher said anyway on one of the main reasons marijuana may never be legalized-and that 1937 movie-what a bunch of BS. By the way this is from someone who's spent the last 13 years of her 19 year old life in Cola,SC and the first 6 in Charleston and I consider myself a conservative...but I voted for Barack Obama unlike 70% of the county I live in, and I wanted John Mccain for President in 2000, so like seriously think of other sports besides swimming your mistaking if you think that none of them have smoked pot, hell I'm just glad Michael Phelps doesn't use steroids, anything else he did/does, besides his dui, who gives a damn, but once again I grew up in Cola,SC and went to Irmo High School (oh man don't even get me started on the whole gay straight alliance thing, now that's news! not Michael Phelps smoking pot in my 2nd hometown(the 1st being Charleston). I can't wait to see Phelps in 2012 Olympics kick some a'.

45 Wednesday, 25 February 2009 17:52

Zack

i think that it was a stupid idea, but i think that it isn't as bad as his DUI when he was 19. he got through that with out a scatch, and i feel that his DUI is much worse than a little weed. if he survived that, i think that he will survive this too, but still though, "what were you thinking man?"

44 Sunday, 08 February 2009 15:24

davud

If you didnt think this goofy white kid didnt smoke trees then you need to look again... Who cares about this goof ball? No one watches swimming... Kids dont even know him... haha come on now.

43 Sunday, 08 February 2009 15:18

Greg jones

Who cares he swims. Who knew him before he wont the golds? I dont care what this kid smokes. everyone get off his nutts.

42 Wednesday, 04 February 2009 14:34

wtf!!

JUST LEAVE HIM ALONE!!! IT IS NOT THAT BIG OF A DEAL!!! HE IS STILL A DAMN KID!!

41 Wednesday, 04 February 2009 03:17

Jeffrey Phillip Block

..... Don't EVER, APOLOGIZE..... for bEiNg YOURSELF!!!

It's not YOUR responsibility to rAiSe..... OTHER PEOPLE'S CHILDREN!

Smoke 'em..... if ya got 'em!!!

Peace

40 Wednesday, 04 February 2009 02:50

Jeffrey Phillip Block

Move to CaLi. MIKE..... U waz @ the WROOOOONG..... "USC!"

OH YEAH..... PHQYEAH!

Might not have been even sMoKiN' WEED?
YA'LL don't know WHUT a "sMeLlY bong rip" izz.....
til' you've HIT the "HOGS BREATH," or maybe the "HEROJUANA!"
BuMmEr, ya had to get BuStEd smokin' DANK!

U jus gotta getta LICENSE to PaRtY Mike..... and then.....
"When in ROME!" ; ) Or, should I say, "When in L.A.?"

PEACE, Bro!

39 Wednesday, 04 February 2009 02:48

Alicethebomb

All you people who have smoked pot you know its no big deal and all you who say he is a bad influence and blah blah blah get a life so what he took a hit big whup
Parents who can't raise their kids to be good citizens and blame others for their bad parenting and then go and say shit about phelps because he smoked pot..get a grip your to blame for your kids doing what they do everyone makes their own decisions so concentrate on your own kids and your parenting and stop blaming others for your lack of discipline.

38 Wednesday, 04 February 2009 00:30

nobody

Its finally proven. Weed IS a performance enhancer. Hell Yeah!!

37 Tuesday, 03 February 2009 20:55

Bryce

Seriously this not a big deal its a waste of time... This guy parties and smokes weed... Really??? you know how many celebs i know who smoke or do worse... Tons being from H-wood you learn that they are just the same as you and I and they party with us the same. Michael smoked pot ohwell... People who are saying he let children down. You all need to get a grip if you are that worried he is going to influence them to do pot... WAKE THE F*** UP... almost everyone has tried pot and its not because some one famous tried it or does it... its because they want to or have friends in school who do it. and if they arent strong enough to make the decision yes or no because a celeb does it I'd say you Eff'd up as a parent and havent prepared your child mentally for life in the community of today. Its better to educate your children on this rather than shelter them. Explain the reason why pot is so debated what it does to people and be open about it. the more you hide from your children the more they will want to explore the unknown. I have done pot probably total about 20 times in 4 years. I knew about pot alcohol and drugs. And i have tried pretty much all that is out there. My family raised me to be strong minded and be able to make my own decisions in the best interest of me, not them but me. And because of that liberty and guidance I do not have an addictive personality I can drink without craving alcohol. smoke without feeling urges. So really PARENTS need to quit relying on athletes and famous people to be the role model for their children that is the parents job. So get off your ass and spend time with your kids the TV isnt your babysitter... Your the only one who can build your child to be a strong successful individual and productive member of society.....

Bryce
check out my blog
phoenixbryce.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/glamourboi

36 Tuesday, 03 February 2009 15:50

fjienlkjruyvcnf

y is it such a big deal that he did something illegal? Everyone at some point in their life has done something that could have possibly got them in trouble. I also dont understand y people think hes a bad role model just because he smoked some pot.???

35 Tuesday, 03 February 2009 15:46

Jenners

Why would you bring up race when talking about this subject? It has nothing to do with it and is quite idiotic to bring up. People are judged based on the state they are in and the laws that apply there. There are no double standards. Stop creating racism with your comments.

34 Tuesday, 03 February 2009 11:36

Bunny

I think Michael Phelps should be judged by the same standard as the other black athletes( Michael Vick).Let the law take its course,no double STANDARD please.

33 Tuesday, 03 February 2009 09:51

MegT

I am a proud South Carolinian and a fan of the USC Gamecocks..and they know how to throw a fuckin party! Phelps is a normal young man that went to a party and he smoked some dope. All he needs to say to the media as well as the disapproving fans is "HI HATERS!!!"

deuces haters*

32 Tuesday, 03 February 2009 08:39

Warren

He actually has a whole new slew of endorsements you know.

Check it:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/warren-holstein/top-twenty-new-michael-ph_b_163184.html

31 Tuesday, 03 February 2009 05:48

taz

hey dug, you're a fucking idiot. tobacco isn't going to be delegalized. it would put a massive hole in the market, and too many jobs would be lost. as for weed, obama already has the desire for it to be decriminalized, who knows where that might go.

chase your own ideologies dude, don't let society decide on them for you.

peace.

30 Monday, 02 February 2009 23:27

dug

Marijuana is illegal FOLKS!!
A role model like Michael Phelps paticapating in illegal activities is shameful and a disapointment! Especially to all of those who thought he was a great role model for their children.
Michael you really let down the little guys & girls of the world, and their parents who are left trying to teach them right from wrong. Everytime a child is involved in illegal drug activities, they can always justify their actions by saying "What's the big deal..Micheal Phelps does drugs"! The damage is done! Your apology is pointless!!

It's also sad to watch the Media build these guys up, and others look for ways to cash in everytime he does something that might be newsworthy.

For all you Pot Heads out there, Marijuana will never be legalized, get over it. Those who smoke Tobacco - enjoy your cigarettes now, because they will soon be history as well! Big Brother is going to try and put a stop to lung cancer whether you like it or not...society won't stand for paying the health costs you burden them with much longer.

29 Monday, 02 February 2009 22:20

Android 10

The funny thing about it all is that they say he has ruined the sport and that he is a shame to all athletes as if he didn't win 8 gold medals and set olympic world records. Suddenly the emergence of this fact makes everyone remember that Phelps actually fell into the pool early and swam in the wrong direction. I guess it just goes to show that nothing can change society's adamant predispositions even if there is unrefutable evidence working against them.

28 Monday, 02 February 2009 22:06

rj

phleps is the fuckin man, if phelps can do it so can I! he is one athletic mother fucker in great shape, so if he wants to smoke tree once and a while he can. i do it and no one complains. He is just a human being like everyother person commenting this. so he can smoke tree if he wants.

27 Monday, 02 February 2009 17:09

holy sh!t !!

this kid could take the biggest hits ever, imagine how big his lungs are!!

26 Monday, 02 February 2009 16:06

Jef Tek

It just shows cannabis consumption crosses all social-economic boundaries, no big deal. Why is it OK to belt down the alcohol we all know kills us but a few celebratory Bong-Hits after a hard day of work or training is unacceptable? Double standards, Marijuana should be legalized and Michael Phelps could be their number one endorsement. Phelps Wins - Phelps Wins!!!

25 Monday, 02 February 2009 15:58

Chill

This man is under so much pressure everyday that it is probably healthier for him to smoke some pot every once in a while to just relax and have a good time. He's in his twenties and rich as hell, why wouldn't he want to get some dank azz sh*t and relax his muscles that he works out almost everyday. Weed is one of the safest drugs and needs to be legalized. God put the "special herb" here for a reason (relaxation and healing) if anyone reads the Bible.

24 Monday, 02 February 2009 15:28

Sweet

This is probably why he's so fast. Although i know he isn't a constant weed smoker because if he was he would never want to go practice swimming everyday instead of just chillin n getting extremely baked. But i feel weed broadens the mind and makes people realize what they really need to do with their life to make everything better. In his case he prolly got really high n was like i got a great idea about how to be faster in the water n thats y hes so fast

23 Monday, 02 February 2009 14:40

franko'retard

a fraud and a loser??? that is the most ridiculous thing I have ever read. Find a real sport? Maybe if you put your hand lotion away and stood up from your computer, you would know what a "real sport" is. He just won 8 gold medals... What have you done? who cares if he wants to hit the bong, I say more power to him, ripping a bong and winning 8 golds... now that is skill. You are right though, just "swimming in a line" probably isnt a sport, which is why the entire world (including your pathetic ass) watched him do it, repeatedly, for years. You're a joke Frank O'Reilly. Get a life.

22 Monday, 02 February 2009 06:48

MJ420

Michael, Michael Michael...I thought you were just a lame-ass swimmer who did anything for money, but now I see that you are a kickass stand-up kind of stoner...MARRY ME!!!

21 Sunday, 01 February 2009 23:56

smoke weed

alright. who gives a fuck about pot. michael is the shit and no one can top all his medals. if he smokes and he still is the best, what are the negative effects of smoking? there arent any. fuck the motherfuckers who made it illegal

20 Sunday, 01 February 2009 22:59

GOD DAMN

Legalize it dead-god dammit!

19 Sunday, 01 February 2009 22:57

daddydon

Frank O'Reilly is probably one of those liars who says he never did anything risky when in college or when he was younger. What a shame we have to listen to people like Frank judge the rest of the world with their out of date and holy than thou attitude.

18 Sunday, 01 February 2009 22:30

NINA

SO WHAT HE LIKES POT!! IT'S NOT LIKE HE IS HITTING A CRACK PIPE..POT SHOULD BE LEGALIZED ANYWAY..I'M SURE EVEN OBAMA SITS IN THE OVAL OFFICE AND SMOKES POT :)

17 Sunday, 01 February 2009 18:19

he's an idiot

Michael Phelps' swim coach, Bob Bowman told him, "Michael, just because you want to blow off some steam doesn't mean you can be an idiot." This was after he was drunk driving when he was 18. I believe that making a mistake again is very disappointing and being in the public eye and smoking weed is very stupid and could risk his swimming career.

16 Sunday, 01 February 2009 17:31

Munkmaster tokenpants

Why would you expect him not to smoke pot? The guy is constantly having his every move watched by the world. I still don't see why people see an athlete as some kind of superhero. They are people just like everyone else. Guess what uptight Americans??? Our current President used to be a cocaine user hahahahahaha! now go shit your pants out of fright!

15 Sunday, 01 February 2009 17:13

Boss Tanaka

Every time an athlete gets caught, or in this case, pictured smoking pot they friggin' rough up the individual, tell them probably how they have "shamed" the sport and make them go in public, in front of the press and state an apology that he didn't even write, mean or even believed in.

Other thing is, why is Phelps even going through with an apology? He is losing his endoursements anyway so why didn't he tell "them" to stick it? They can't take his records or his medals away. This is BS.

14 Sunday, 01 February 2009 16:58

Susie

Legalize this plant!

13 Sunday, 01 February 2009 16:49

jimbolandjots

So hot Olympian swimmer and multiple medal winner, Michael Phelps, is a pot smoker: AWESOME!

12 Sunday, 01 February 2009 16:48

Megan Schmegan

While I agree that its no big deal and he should be able to enjoy his private life, this site is called "celebstoner," how is it not news when a celebrity is a stoner! Stoners now have a new ally, albeit a douche bag, but maybe you should go to cnn.com or something you're more comfortable with.

11 Sunday, 01 February 2009 16:36

Megan

How is this news? who cares what he does in his private time he obviously is a great athlete and this does not change that fact. it would be different if he had the bong with him on the side of the pool in Beijing but that is not the case let him enjoy his life!!!!

10 Sunday, 01 February 2009 16:08

Travis

Who gives a shit? It doesn't take a genius to realize that pot is safer than alcohol and tobacco, the governnment just doesn't want us to have it.

9 Sunday, 01 February 2009 15:04

relieved

I heard that Phelps got caught smoking and was worried it was a cigarette, but (thank goodness) it was just pot. Whew!

8 Sunday, 01 February 2009 14:56

John Rosenfelder

i bet this kid can take a hit like john glenn/ed harris exhaling in the right stuff.

7 Sunday, 01 February 2009 14:44

JTW

How do you think he developed his world class lung capacity, holding in massive bong hits of course.

6 Sunday, 01 February 2009 14:25

hometown hero

Just goes to show you that a world class athlete, some would say the best ever, regularly smokes and is still leaps and bounds ahead of every other swimmer. Phelps is probably just trying to handicap himself to make those races closer.

5 Sunday, 01 February 2009 13:57

PhelpsPhan12

Weed does not fuck you up as much as I'm gonna fuck you up FrankO'reilly!

4 Sunday, 01 February 2009 13:51

Mojo Len

First off perhaps Bill's brother Frank should chill a touch. Anyone who would post so negitively shouldn't be hanging out here.

If Phelps got fall down drunk belting back the shots that would be AOK but snap a hit from the bong and all is wrong?
F that!
The mans a hero now we know he is out of the pool as well.

3 Sunday, 01 February 2009 12:15

Jeff GP

I was an Olympic athlete and I can tell you this is natural. When you undertake an extreme training program for most of the year (or 4) you need a small phase of equally extreme relaxation (partying, whatever that is for you) Believe me, when his program starts again the fun will be over.

2 Sunday, 01 February 2009 11:33

FrankO'reilly

Michael Phelps is a fraud and a loser. Phelps should have his medals reclaimed and be banned from the olympic games. Phelps is a criminal and will end in jail with no $. a discrace to the USA. Learn a real sport where you actually compete against people and dont just swim in a straight line.

1 Sunday, 01 February 2009 11:10

Hal9000

So it turns out he's a normal college kid? Do we need multiple "accounts" of this? He probably smoked because he's so sick of being a young kid and having the whole world looking up his @$$ all day. How about some real news?

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