My older daughter is a huge Michael Phelps fan. Her Facebook page is filled with bumper stickers depicting his Olympic feats and she reads everything about him that she can get her hands on. She even devoted one of her summer writing assignments to the technology behind the bathing suit he wears. Imagine her (and my) disappointment over the publication of the photo of him that appeared recently in the news.
I’m often accused of being too inflexible and over the top with my attitude toward drugs, but I won’t apologize for it nor deviate from it. It’s a simple one, and to quote one of my favorite Irish pub songs, “No, Nay, Never,” about sums it up. The latest news is that Phelps may face criminal charges for his “indiscretion.” I say, “Good.” It’s about time an athlete and role model was called on the carpet for his/her behavior instead of it being brushed under said carpet. Was it a simple mistake made by a 23 year-old who, more than likely over the years had to give up a lot of the shenanigans his peers were engaging in to reach his Olympic goals? Yup. But, when he accepted those medals under our flag, collected his endorsements, and made the rounds of the talk shows, he did not receive immunity from the law. He wasn’t granted the right to tarnish the image of Olympic athletes. And, whether he asked for this responsibility or not, he is a role model to lots of children, and that’s something he clearly forgot about. Is Phelps being made an example of? Yes, and it’s about time. He crossed the line.
Until Next Time,
Joan
(c) 2009 Joan McCue All Rights Reserved
